We use citizen science (CS) here for processes where the primary focus is on volunteers collecting and/or processing scientific data or observations (West and Pateman 2017) and we are convinced that particular tools and techniques – some of which we have selected and describe below – foster integrity and ethical behaviour when engaging with citizen scientists. At the same time, CS projects can help raise participants’ awareness of particular issues, enhance ownership of those issues, and encourage individuals to change their own unsustainable behaviours. Through participation, some citizens gain the knowledge and confidence they need to mobilize action, build networks and/or campaign on particular issues. More broadly, partnerships between scientists and citizens can help to demystify science and build an understanding of and faith in the scientific process (West and Pateman 2017).