Earthly matters

Andrew Ference has challenged professional hockey players to get with the off-ice program. In partnership with the David Suzuki foundation, the Boston Bruins defenseman has initiated the National Hockey League Players' Association “Carbon Neutral Challenge” to promote action on climate change and environmental responsibility.

The goal of the program is to involve individual NHL players in purchasing carbon credits to offset the carbon footprint produced by their heavy travel schedules. It is estimated that in total, NHL players make at least 5,000 flights a year and that each player generates 10 tons of carbon emissions per season.

Funding from the offsets will go into three sustainable green energy initiatives: hydro in Indonesia, biomass in India and a wind farm in Madagascar. So far, over 350 NHL players, including every player on the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers have taken up the challenge.

Ference, in his ninth NHL season, hails from northern Alberta. He is on record for being an organic food shopper, driving a hybrid and riding his bike to home games at Boston's TD Banknorth Garden. He is also actively involved with Right to Play, a global nonprofit that teaches sport and play programs for children and communities affected by war, poverty and disease.

Huge kudos dude!

Courtesy of Right to Play, www.righttoplay.com