Saving money, growing some of your own food, learning a new skill or making something last longer can all help the planet.
That’s the idea behind a free, family-friendly Climate Action Week event at Ennis Scout Hall on Saturday, 17th October- 11am -3pm.
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is running the day through the Just Transition Programme under SICAP. It brings together local groups and organisations working on food growing, energy, repair, reuse, waste reduction and biodiversity.
It’s not a conference and there are no lectures. People can wander around, chat to local groups, watch demonstrations, ask questions and try practical activities. You don’t need to know anything about climate action beforehand.
“You don’t have to be an expert”
CLDC Just Transition Officer Hannah Griffey is leading the event. She said: “Climate action can feel really intimidating. Even with a background in environmental social science, I’ve sometimes felt out of my depth at larger climate events. We wanted to create something where you can just walk in, have a look around, ask questions and see what’s already happening in your own community.”
Practical ideas for everyday life
With many households watching their spending, the day focuses on ideas that make sense at home:
Growing food and cutting food waste
Repairing and reusing items
Energy efficiency, home energy and retrofit information
Food on a budget, including using lentils to stretch meals
Contributors include Seed Savers, Quin Village Tidy Towns, Ennis Environmental Action Group, Clarecastle Men’s Shed, Clothes Swap Co-op, Ennis Youth Society, Women’s Collective Ireland Clare, FoodTree and Jason McCormack, Eamon Peters of Seven Acres Farm, and local growers and gardeners.
“For me, that’s what Just Transition is about,” Hannah said. “It’s making sure people aren’t left behind, and recognising the opportunities climate action can bring. If we can help someone save on their energy bills, grow some of their own food, reduce waste or learn a skill they can share, that’s climate action too.”
Something for all ages
Children can pot seeds and decorate plant pots to take home. There’ll also be face painting, a popcorn machine and treats.
“I really want this to feel like a community day,” Hannah said. “You don’t have to do everything. If somebody leaves with one small idea and thinks, ‘Actually, I could do that,’ then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
Event details
CLDC Climate Action Week
Saturday, 17 October 2026, 11am–3pm
Ennis Scout Hall
Free entry, all welcome