Hockey fans can play role in helping environment

From March 12-18, the National Hockey League and its member clubs, as part of the first-ever NHL Green Week, will showcase its greening programs and initiatives that are reducing the League's environmental impact, while calling on fans and partners to accelerate a movement toward a healthier planet.
Today's Tip: Green your hockey community
There is a general lack of public awareness of the impacts of changing biodiversity. It is important to raise awareness of issues like climate change and water scarcity. Encourage and participate in community programs that further environmental stability. From beach and park cleanups to tree plantings and community facility refurbishments, volunteer projects will improve communities and local environments.

Active and retired hockey players, including Mike Richter, Scott Niedermayer, Willie Mitchell and Andrew Ference, are doing their part. Many have developed a passion for environmental issues because they want to see future generations receive an opportunity to play hockey outside like they once did. NHL players are some of the most visible and vocal athletes taking a stand for the environment.
The NHL also is doing its part. In 2010 the League launched NHL Green, a comprehensive environmental sustainability initiative which addresses the effects of climate change and freshwater scarcity on the game of hockey. The NHL also is partners with the Green Sports Alliance.
The NHL is the first professional sports league in North America to issue a sustainability report, documenting and disclosing the League's carbon footprint (which it has offset the past two years). It also is the first pro sports league to have all its clubs participate as members of the GSA. Teams make improvements in their facilities and in the community from using more environmentally friendly energy sources and cleaners to conducting local park and beach cleanups.