Take Action - NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
greeNYC logo arrow

Your Guide to Climate Action

Switch to LEDs

LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can greatly reduce your energy bills, ease our power grid, and reduce emissions from fossil-fuel power plants. LEDs also last 25% longer.

Compost

With 5-borough smart compost bins and community drop-offs, it’s never been easier to put your organic waste to good use. Download the NYC Smart Compost app for free for Android and iOS.

Defeat the Leak

Learn more about sealing window and door leaks to make your home more energy efficient.

Electrify Stoves, Dryers, and Boilers

Through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), you can get tax rebates for  appliances that reduce utility bills and slash emissions. If you’re a renter, try an electric hotplate or induction stovetop. Or buy stuff with the Energy Star seal. And see if your income lets you save without spending!

Get a Heat Pump

They’re the warmer, cooler, easier way to heat and cool your home, and they don’t burn fossil fuels like oil, propane, or natural gas. Get help finding one today!

Go Solar

Learn how Solarize NYC and Shared Solar can bring solar energy to your home or neighborhood. And email your Councilmember to support Community Solar.

Pedal Power

With over 1,500 miles of bike lanes throughout the city and over 1,500 Citi Bike stations with both classic bikes and e-bikes, you’ve always got a ride nearby. Learn more about NYC cycling.

Take Public Transportation

NYC has one of the most extensive public transit systems in the world. Ride the subways, buses, use the OMNY fare system, and see if you qualify for Fair Fares.

Drive an EV

If you must drive, drive electric. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable, battery range is increasing, and more models are hitting the market. There are unprecedented state or federal rebates, too!

Stop Idling

Letting your car idle for just 11 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting. And curbside idling is illegal. So don’t do it! And if you see an idling vehicle, report it to 311.

Vote

If you care about climate policy, vote for people who care about the environment! Register to vote online, in-person, or by mail – and make your voice heard.

Join a Community Board

You only need to be 16 to join your community board. To start with, try attending a meeting. Learn what CBs do – and then find yours.

Spread the Word

Get educated about the city’s climate challenges and policies. Speak up at home, at work, or in school, and join the GreeNYC community on Twitter and Instagram.

Volunteer

If you care about climate change, you can volunteer for tree care, environmental projects, and more – close to home and on your own schedule.

Find your Green Thumb

Visit a community garden, join one, start one, or volunteer to put down some roots in your neighborhood.

Take Care of Trees

Trees help cool our city and clean our air. Use the NYC Street Tree Mapto find out how to water, weed, and plant around your street tree. Learn how to get one planted on your street and become a steward.

Be Prepared

You and your household members should be prepared of extreme heat, coastal storms, or floods. These guidelines to make a plan in advance and download Notify NYC to get alerted in real time about extreme weather events.

Find Veggies

Switching to just one plant-based meal per week can reduce your carbon footprint considerably. Find delicious, sustainable, NY-grown produce at a greenmarket, farmstand, or fresh food box near you.

Recycle (the right stuff)

Brush up on what can and can’t be recycled and take care to rinse food containers, break down cardboard, and sort correctly. And recycle, donate or dispose of your old electronics.

Vintage is In

Buying secondhand clothes, furniture, and electronics is great for your wallet and the environment. Find a Stop ‘n Swap to give or take – for free. And enroll your building in refashionNYC to get a donation bin installed.