The humble pillowcase may be the answer.
Silverstream School pupils are giving old pillow cases a makeover this week, turning them into reusable shopping bags.
Years 3 and 4 teacher Janine Johnston said the initiative was part of the school's educational focus on economic growth.
''We've learnt that not all growth is positive, so we are looking at how we can live more sustainably.''
The entire school was participating in the initiative, each class turning a used piece of material into something that can be used again, Miss Johnston said.
Her years 3 and 4 pupils had brought old pillowcases to school where they were fashioning handles and putting environmental messages on with iron transfers.
''Every class is finding a way to use old materials for another purpose.
''They have made photo frames out of old magazines, plant pots out of old milk containers, they've turned old Coke bottles into vases and old bread bags into lunch bags.''
Miss Johnston said the products, especially the reusable shopping bags, were very labour-intensive, but well worth the effort because it taught pupils valuable life lessons and doubled as a fundraising venture for the school's camp later this year.
''It's sharing the message of how simple it is to reuse rubbish that goes to the landfill.''
