Youngsters from the rural school have made a new community garden out of recycled toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers and cardboard boxes.
In total they collected more than 6500 items which helped them win a national Colgate toothpaste competition.
Te Anau's enviro-school teacher Debbie Taylor said it would not be possible without the support of the community. She said everyone helped, including the local pharmacy which had a box in its store to collect materials. She said the challenge was a wonderful way to implement their sustainable goals.
''It was a team effort and we are very proud that a small town could achieve such great results.
''The students are over the moon and this prize is a fantastic reward for the students' excellent recycling work. It motivated them to continue to do it.''
The school won a garden set which included one custom-made bench, one rubbish bin, a voucher of $300 and one garden bed to grow their own vege patch - all from recycled material. From left, Esme Duncan, Will Excell and Bella Excell (all 9).
