A top vegan footballer has pledged to plant 3,000 trees every time his team wins – in a bid to help the planet.
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has partnered global anti-deforestation charity One Tree Planted – which warns that 4,500 acres of forest are cleared every hour – to carry out the initiative.
Bellerin, who has spoken out on environmental issues on many occasions, is passionate about tackling climate change.
‘Very close to my heart’
In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Hector Bellerin said: “As a child growing up in Barcelona, I spent a lot of my with my Grandad in his garden planting trees and playing in forests so it’s an issue very close to my heart.
“When I saw the great work that One Tree Planted do, not just the planting of the trees but within the communities as well, I knew it was something that I wanted to get involved in.
“I hope that by doing this and using my platform, others will see how important it is to look after our world and donate to a cause which really affects us all.”
‘Champions for the environment’
Diana Chaplin, canopy director of One Tree Planted, added: “It’s great to know that there are champions for the environment in the sports world.
“Hector’s passion for nature goes beyond words to make a real impact on the ground and help us plant trees where they’re needed most.
“This will have a lasting benefit for people, nature, and wildlife for many years to come.”
You can find out more about the campaign – and help plant more trees – here