When it comes to making the world a better place, NHLPA members are always up for the challenge.

The opportunity to partner with Dr. David Suzuki, one of the world's leading environmentalists, is something hundreds of players just couldn't pass up.

Teaming with the David Suzuki Foundation www.davidsuzuki.org, who will act as a resource and support, NHLPA members will be going 'carbon neutral' through the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge.

Going carbon neutral is essentially defined as making up for the greenhouse gases one has produced by investing in climate-friendly projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions elsewhere.

If a person adds polluting emissions to the atmosphere, they can effectively subtract them by purchasing 'carbon offsets'. Carbon offsets are credits for emission reductions achieved by projects elsewhere, such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency projects. By purchasing these credits, you can apply them to your own emissions and reduce your net climate impact.

"The ability to partner with the legendary scientist and environmentalist, Dr. David Suzuki, who happens to be from the beautiful city of Vancouver, is a great honour," said Canucks' captain and 2003 Lester B. Pearson Award winner Markus Naslund. "I'm proud to be part of the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge and I'm encouraged by the number of players that are involved."

Hockey players are far from the only notable names to go carbon neutral. Bands such as Coldplay and Pearl Jam are committed to the cause, along with celebrities Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and George Clooney, to name a few.

One of the main goals of the joint effort will be in promoting global warming solutions to help move the public sentiment from deep concern to meaningful action.

It's something that hits home not only for the Players, but also for their friends and families.

Mike Sillinger, a veteran of over 1,000 regular season NHL games, is encouraged by the widespread support of his teammates and fellow NHLPA members.

"Our team is very enthusiastic about the partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation and our participation in the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge," said the New York Islanders' forward. "My kids talk about the environment all the time. In addition to day-to-day activities of recycling and turning off the lights, it is great to be taking the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge."

Words that mean a great deal to Andrew Ference, who helped spearhead the initiative.

A meeting last year between the Boston defenceman and Dr. Suzuki had a profound effect on Ference and his outlook on global warming, prompting him to get the message out to his fellow Players.

"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."

It's a message that an increasing number of Players can easily identify with.

"Sometimes it's difficult to accept something that isn't right before your eyes," said Ference, who represented Canada at the 1999 World Junior Championships (silver) and 1996 Pacific Cup (gold). "But we should be listening to the scientists and what they are saying.

"Look at the winters we have in Canada. You can see the changes over the years. This is a wake-up call for everyone all over the world. It's about doing the right thing for the earth and our communities."

Ference is hoping it's not only NHLPA members who team up to go carbon neutral.

"The initial response from the guys has been fantastic, with the number of NHL players accepting the NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge still growing at a rapid pace," noted Ference. "It's important, as high-profile athletes, to use our platform to deliver a message of environmental responsibility and accountability. Hopefully this will inspire our fans to follow suit."

Whether it's through their own personal charitable endeavors, or through combined efforts such as the NHLPA's Goals & Dream Fund, worthy causes are always of great significance to the Players, regardless of where they call home, or how long they have played the game.

The NHLPA Carbon Neutral Challenge is a perfect example of that commitment.

Dr. Suzuki is certainly grateful to have the support of the Players.

"Your participation will help inspire others to take action on global warming, and leave a better world for future generations," said Suzuki.