Through the board's sustainable schools program, Whyalla, Stuart and Edward John Eyre High School were chosen based on innovative and creative proposals.

Teacher Bruce Ledo and his year 8 class will revegetate the remaining sand dune in front of South Whyalla Football Club, which covers about 9600 square metres.

Mr Ledo said many years of urban development have corrupted the dune and it is now in a state different from its origins.

"While it would be impossible to return it to its original state, it is possible to restore indigenous vegetation to the dune ahead of any further development," Mr Ledo said.

The development was identified as part of the Whyalla City Council's Foreshore Master Plan.

Students will identify flora species that don't belong on the dune to be removed.

Mr Ledo said endemic species would be identified and compared to those in the Point Lowly area.

Students will map the dune during term two to identify plant species and compare what species should be there.

Mr Ledo said it would be an ongoing project, which students could continue from year 8 to year 10.

A project that has been ongoing and growing, Stuart High School's funding was invested in the horticulture centre.

A hydroponics area was built to grow lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries watered from run-off fish-tank water.

"The grant has enabled us to refurbish the hydroponics area, which will now be for used for the aquaponics," horticulture teacher Vicki Minnes said.

Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, allowing wastewater to feed the hydroponics area.

Ms Minnes said year 10 students have begun refurbishment, repaired hoses and are now waiting to connect to the aquaculture centre.

Produce will be grown to supplement the school canteen.

Edward John Eyre High School students and teacher Felicia Harding have set up a recycling program.

The school has currently recycled 55 per cent of canteen drink containers and aim to increase the figure.

The school also adopted environmental activities including art and craft, Point Lowly marine debris surveys and a native plant workshop.