Supporter of the week: Rebecca Verlander

Hannah Booth

18 June 2011

Friends of the Earth is 40 and I've been talking to some of the supporters who've made it all possible. I spoke to School Student Rebecca Verlander (right) about meeting Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Tell us about your visit to No 10

"I met Tony Blair five years ago to hand him signatures as part of The Big Ask campaign, calling for the Government to change the law on carbon dioxide emissions."

"I was impressed he met with us, six schoolchildren; he was interested and had great people skills. I'm now studying politics at A level and think he could have done more on the environment, but still the Act got passed.

"I also saw Al Gore give a talk. It was amazing; he's so inspiring. He clearly cares and I agreed with him on everything.

What about other children at your school?

"All my friends are engaged with environmental issues.

We've launched a campaign at my school to turn off computers at night.

"We're not old enough to vote, so we're doing what we can."

Next week: Professor Charles Oppenheim. To see all the supporters I've interviewed, visit our 40th anniversary gallery.

Hannah Booth also writes Lives Less Ordinary.