Inspired by a lesson on how plastic waste affects the environment, two Girl Scouts in Maureen Mantzavinos' fifth grade decided to share a project for making reusable bags out of old t-shirts.

All you need is an old t-shirt and a sharp pair of scissors. Here's their step-by-step instructions:

1. Cut off the sleeves on the inner side of the seams. Pro tip: fold the shirt in half so the sleeves are lined up, then cut them both at once so they're identical.

2. Cut the neckline below the seam. Similarly, you can fold the shirt in half to get a symmetrical cut. Be careful not to cut the neckline too deeply, as that will be the opening of the bag.

3. Cut the bottom of the t-shirt off, straight above the seam.

4. Cut slits along the bottom of the t-shirt, about an inch apart. Cut the front and back of the t-shirt together so that the fringe lines up. The girls suggest folding the pairs together as you go to help keep organized.

5. Take the fringe in each pair, and tie them together. Double knots will help keep the bag secure, the girls said.

6. Enjoy your reusable tote!