Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's Son Benjamin Has Been Requesting for Charity Donations Instead of Birthday Gifts

Gisele Bündchen opened up about how important environmental sustainability is to her family and revealed that one of her sons asked for charity donations instead of presents for his birthday.

Ahead of celebrating her 11th anniversary as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program, Gisele Bündchen shared how she is teaching her children about environmental sustainability.

The model and philanthropist has two children with her husband Tom Brady; Benjamin and Vivian. She also had a stepson Jack, who is from Tom's previous relationship with Bridget Moynahan.

The mother of three told Marie Claire that her children are learning about sustainably from the example she has set for them in the way she lives her daily life.

Gisele has taught her children what she called the "three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle." She said her household tries to limit the use of paper and plastics in their home and compost their food waste.

However, she admits the going green is very challenging, but she is not too hard on herself about it. One member of her family who takes it very seriously is her son Benjamin.

Gisele revealed that when he was younger, they found plastic in the ocean while they were at the beach. When she explained to him how discarded waste goes in landfills that end up in the ocean, the news upset him.

Aware of the effect's that everyday activities were having on the environment, Benjamin chose to make a difference over the past couple of years, Gisele revealed:

"He did not want presents at his birthday party. Instead, he would like if they could donate to organizations that help endangered species."

She admitted that while spending time in nature with her children, she loves seeing them get excited over little things like collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop and picking fresh vegetables. The lesson she has taught them about sustainability, Gisele said:

"I always remind my kids that every choice we make has an impact on our planet and that we always need to try our best."

In previous interviews, Tom has admitted to struggling to bond with Benjamin like he had done with

because he is not interested in sports and the typical things he enjoyed growing up.

With their relationship stronger than ever and Tom credits Gisele for helping him find ways to bond with Benjamin. With saving the world already on Benjamin's mind, it would be no surprise if philanthropy is one of the things they have bonded over.