As a global phenomenon, the rising tide of climate change can feel overwhelming and impossible to combat. However, Seniors for Climate and other environmental advocates say the small changes we make to our everyday lives can have a great ripple effect.

In honour of Earth Day today, Seniors for Climate in Niagara is getting together to focus on how homeowners can incorporate clean and renewable energy sources into their lives.

The Clean Energy Fair, happening today at the NOTL Community Centre at 7 p.m., is a free information fair that aims to teach attendees about the pros and cons of clean energy tools like solar panels, heat pumps, smart thermometers, home insulation and more.

It follows this year’s international Earth Day theme of “Our Power, Our Planet,” focused on accelerating the world’s transition away from non-renewable energy sources to renewable energy, with the goal of tripling renewable energy generation by 2030.

The inspiration for the Clean Energy Fair in NOTL comes from the Ontario government’s expanded energy efficiency program — the province is currently giving rebates of up to 30 per cent on clean energy installations, says Lidija Biro, a member of Seniors for Climate in Niagara.

Seniors for Climate is a nationwide movement of older Canadians advocating for urgent action to reduce climate change, with the Niagara group made up of residents from multiple municipalities in the region, including NOTL.

“Every decision we make seems like a drop in the ocean of such a worldwide problem. But each action has an impact and influences the people around us,” said Biro in a media release.

“Every time someone makes a climate-friendly choice, another step is taken towards sustainability.”

Also at the fair will be Herb Sawatzky of the environmental group 50by30 Niagara, who Biro said will help explain the pros and cons of clean energy options compared to the typical energy resources in the home.

“It’s hard to make the lean away from conventional products. It’s difficult to know what information to trust,” she said.

The group will also be screening a short documentary, “Two Degrees: How to Pave the Way to Renewable Energy,” looking at the strides Denmark has made in its journey to 100 per cent clean energy use, for a perspective on how one nation, such as Canada, could do the same.

“In this new political era, when so much seems beyond our control, there are still some things in our lives where we can make a difference. What we do at home and in our communities is at the heart of moving Canada towards a sustainable environment,” Biro said.

“Whatever’s going on around us, we can still plan for a better future by making smart choices every day towards a stable climate for future generations.”

The Clean Energy Fair is free and open to all. The NOTL Community Centre is located at 14 Anderson Ln.