Here at the Rainforest Alliance we are always inspired by young people who want to help make a difference in the environment and protect ecosystems around the world. Last week we had the opportunity to meet an inspiring 14 year old, who has been a committed supporter of our Adopt-A-Rainforest Program. For the past three years, Bethany Reed has held a fundraiser for her birthday, asking her friends and family to donate money instead of buying her gifts. We sat down with Bethany and asked her a few questions about her philanthropic birthdays.

How did you hear about the Rainforest Alliance?
When I first heard about rainforests, I decided that I needed to do something to help protect them. For the last three years I have asked people to help by donating money at my birthday parties. Every year I keep getting a little more.

What do your friends think about this?
My friends think it's pretty cool and some of them have followed my lead. One of my friends is really interested in animals, so she decided to ask for donations for her birthday. It's catching on.

Bethany Reed (l) and Maria Ghiso, education associate for the Rainforest Alliance

Do you have any advice for other kids who want to help make a difference?
Get to know other people, find out what things you are interested in and work on it together. That makes it more fun.

What is one interesting thing you learned about the rainforest since you have started?
I want to go there! Every time I hear about the amazing animals and the canopy, it makes me want really want to go and experience it for myself.

How did you get interested in the environment?
I love nature and the outdoors. I like to hike and rock climb. I get that from my dad who is a big environmentalist and really into green building. When I was two years old, my dad started working on building an Earthship. He is still working on it, but we live in it now. It is made out of recycled tires and dirt, one side of the house is mostly windows, the roof is inverted to collect rainwater and it is heated and cooled by the sun. My friends think it's cool. When I was in the third grade my class had a field trip to my house.

Is there anything else you want to share with us about your work with Adopt-A-Rainforest?
Just that I am going to keep doing this for a long time and I encourage others to get involved too.