What does a Fonterra milk carton have in common with a Thai roofing tile?
Any primary school pupil participating in the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme will tell you they are practically the same thing.
The milk cartons, straws and even the bags used to dispose of the cartons and straws are sent to Thailand, where they are recycled into roofing tiles and school exercise books.
Ultimately, the recycled products are used to educate and house Thai people.
It is one of the many benefits, aside from the health benefits, of Fonterra's nationwide introduction of Milk for Schools programme.
George Street Normal School deputy principal Anne Robertson said the school was very focused on sustainable living and looking after the environment, and the pupils loved the idea of turning the cartons into something useful for people in another nation.
''It's great because it's a win-win all around. The children get the healthy milk, there's an opportunity for them to show leaderships when the milk is given out and recycled, and the best bit is that there is no wastage.
''Fonterra have thought through it all very carefully.
''It really is a win-win for New Zealand schools and the environment.''
The school is one of about 150 primary schools in Otago and Southland to receive daily free milk from Fonterra.
The programme was trialled in Northland last year and launched in the southern region last month.
Canterbury will be the next region where the programme will be established, and it is expected to take a full year to get to all regions of the country.
Recycled cartons and straws from every participating school will end up either on a Thai pupil's desk or on their roof.
