Image: www.nhlpa.com
It’s been estimated that the average hockey player creates 10 tons of carbon emissions per season. But that is going to change because of one committed young defenseman who has encouraged 350 other players to take part in the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge.
A green collaboration
The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) started the program with the help of the David Suzuki Foundation and hopes to neutralize the carbon emissions from team operations and traveling, but also to help players become greener in their daily lives.
The program was launched last December 2007 at a special event that brought together Dr. David Suzuki, NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly, NHLPA ombudsman and former NHL all-star Eric Lindros. Also on hand were the Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Matt Stajan and other players from the Bruins and Leafs.
Started by the pros
"Environmentalists would kill to get this type of attention," joked David Suzuki at the press conference, "let’s face it, an old crusty guy like me, an environmentalist, who the hell is going to listen to me? But these guys connect directly with our youth and it’s all about the future."
The program was the brainchild of the Boston Bruins’ defenseman Andrew Ference, back when he was still a Calgary Flame. Out of curiosity, Ference wanted to calculate the carbon footprint of the Flames and enlisted the David Suzuki Foundation to help him. "I remember David saying to me that if Wayne Gretzky was just starting his minor hockey career today, his father wouldn’t be able to build the outdoor rink like he once did because the climate has changed so much," said Ference, who drives a hybrid car and has switched his house to wind power. "That really stuck with me."
Committed to the community
Ference first gained the public’s eye when he represented Canada at the 1996 Pacific Cup (Gold) and the 1999 World Junior Championships (Silver). He also has a long history of community involvement, having won the 1999 WHL Humanitarian Award -- Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, awarded to a player showing a commitment to his community and to humanitarian values.
Since launching the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge, Ference has suddenly found himself the unwitting poster boy for the environment. In interview after interview, the 28-year old player now gets asked by reporters if he can list off some simple green things for fans to follow.
Like a seasoned spokesperson, he lists off all the small and easy things that one can do "that really add up," such as biking to work, eating organic and being conscious of one's energy use. While it's not what he planned on doing, Ference told Green Living; "I'm just beginning to learn, so what better spokesperson than someone who is learning? Sometimes when it's the experts telling us, it goes over our heads, but I'm right there learning with everyone."
Getting the guys to go green
And to prove his point he brings up an old Calgary Flames teammate who called him up recently just to tell him that he purchased a ‘How-to go green’ book!" But this level of excitement is not just relegated to friends -- the entire NHLPA has taken on the carbon challenge making it a true 'grassroots' movement, where the players really got involved
"It’s unbelievable how the guys pick up on it and know something is important," said Ference. "Hockey is filled with a lot of great character and guys are showing it by stepping up and doing the right thing. This is something that the players are taking to heart, and hopefully will bring into their lives, and then who knows? We might even be able to change the owner's behavior once this really gets rolling!"
Hockey fans can get involved by visiting the NHLPA website or visiting the David Suzuki Foundation for more information on how to become carbon neutral.
Lee Schnaiberg is an environmental consultant and fan of green hockey.
Green Living Blogs
I want to make a bigger difference, I was diagnosed with MS at the age 21 I'm now 23 and can't help but to fall back into my old ways, being a spectator!
I've learned a lot and really really want to spread the word, give advice to younger generations about being green. Haven't found a way to get that done yet.
Need help, I want to fallow Susuki's footprints.
My family has been laughing at me ever since
I was lil for caring about every lil thing, they use to call me lil Suzuki. A name that I now wear with confidence my inner me knows what's going on in our World.
I do my part, also find my weak body out crushing boxes in my complex from people I've never met.
I love our Earth I really enjoy Canada.
I get great pleasure knowing I've done more then just my part and sleep a lot better. I was going to school to make a difference in the Electrical feild, not no more I'm here with my MS and working hard to show that I can work, it's just not high paying / i don't get paid but I get to sleep knowing I did something for myself and everyone else.