The governing body has teamed up with Sitra, an independent public foundation, with the aim of promoting stable and balanced development in the country.

It is hoped that by the end of the year advice will be available to sports clubs, to help them improve their environmental measures.

Finnish basketball team Tapiola Honka took part in one project under the scheme, organising a tournament at a school in Espoo where a "smart" system of sorting and recycling waste was used.

"We did not need to waste garbage bags," said team manager Milla Suviranta. 

"Paper and plastic waste was taken to the collection point near the school.

"It worked well. 

"Young people experienced it and it was nice to see how this kind of action was carried out.

"This good behaviour is just the beginning and we have to improve it as a sports club."