Finnish ice hockey team goes carbon neutral

(Please note: a previous version of this story sent on 21 January, 2021 incorrectly referred to the team as the Lahti Penguins.)

Finland is laying claim to the first carbon neutral ice hockey team in the world.

Europe’s Green Capital of the year - the small Finnish city of Lahti – is the home of the Lahti Pelicans.

The team proudly debuted their new Green City Jerseys during a recent fixture.

They feature environmental commitments and stats in replacement of their regular player numbers.

But their quest to become carbon neutral involves a lot more than just a wardrobe change.

The team has already given up all air travel.

And they’re encouraging their fans to travel to watch their games by public transport, bike or on foot.

The club's home arena runs off only green energy.

And all restaurants at the arena offer locally produced food and plastic-free packaging.

Of course, the Lahti Pelicans aren't the only sport stars committed to combatting climate change.

English soccer team Forest Green Rovers became the world's first United Nations certified carbon neutral football club in 2018.

They were also the world's only vegan football club after making the switch to a plant-based diet for all players, staff and events.

In 2020, World Athletics vowed to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Formula One said it hopes to have a zero-carbon footprint by 2030 as well.