It sounds as if you are victim to fruit flies, a common compost problem. Irritating but harmless, they gather anywhere there is a source of fresh or rotting fruit and vegetables: in your compost bin or in the kitchen, circling the fruit bowl or the scraps you've been saving up for the compost.

Don't let it put you off your admirable eco ways as there are several ways to combat the blighters. The obvious one is to empty the scraps into your compost bin more regularly and to scrub out the container every so often.

Opinion is divided about whether it's best to collect scraps in a tub with a lid, which means that the contents break down faster and can turn into unpleasant sludge, or without one, which attracts flies.

For most of the year, I prefer an open-topped ice-cream tub, which I replace every six months. During late summer, when fruit flies are at their worst, it definitely helps to have some kind of lid, even if it's one made from a layer of damp newspaper placed on top of the food scraps, a tip a composting buddy swears by.

If you want something more professional, you can buy sealed compost caddies that are designed to stop smells leaving and flies entering. The caddy on offer for £7.50 at the Centre for Alternative Technology (www.cat.org.uk) has a replaceable carbon filter to remove odours.

How Green Are My Wellies? (Eden Project Books, £14.00) by Anna Shepard

GREENIE POINTS

DO IT Between September 4 and 8, the eco-clothing company Howies is running a series of “do lectures” in Pembrokeshire, free to 75 lucky individuals. With talks from eco-pioneers such as Guy Watson, the founder of Riverford Organic Farm, in Devon, and Trevor Baylis, the inventor of the wind-up radio, the idea is to inspire attendees to do something positive. To apply, write to Howies explaining your cause and what you hope to change. For the address, see www.howies.co.uk

SKIP IT After Marks & Spencer's commendable move to charge for its standard plastic bags, you may be surprised to find that your lunchtime sarnie is dropped into a smaller version at checkout. “We thought it unfair on occasional shoppers to charge them for bags...our aim is to change the habits of our regular shoppers buying larger quantities,” says a spokesman. Say no to the bag, tutting loudly at the very idea.

CLICK IT If you'd like your town to be awarded Walkers are Welcome status, visit www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk. You'll need to prove that there is local support for the concept, that rights of way are maintained and that walkers are encouraged to use public transport.

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