Waste produced by families across the UK should be used to provide energy, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers says. In its report Energy from Waste: A Wasted Opportunity? the group says the Government should classify waste as an energy resource and build power plants to create power from rubbish. It claims recycling is not always the best solution as the cost of turning some materials into new products uses more energy than making them.

Start the New Year the way you mean to go on by helping the environment. On January 11, Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers will be working on an ancient herb area in Lesnes Abbey Wood, known as the Ransome Glade, which needs to be protected from invading brambles. If you would like to help, turn up at noon, suitably dressed, at the information centre next to the Lesnes Abbey ruins off Abbey Road, Abbey Wood, or call 020 8310 3033.

Further increases in train fares will discourage people from using public transport and increase carbon emissions, according to research. The Campaign for Better Transport claims if fares were reduced by 20 per cent, a level more in line with the European average, bus travel would increase by 13 per cent and rail travel by 17 per cent by 2015.

Trees For Cities has a variety of green gifts for Christmas. The environmental charity aims to “green” the capital with a variety of projects, including planting a million new trees in London by 2012. It offers dedicated trees with a personalised plaque, help for tree projects overseas and gifts for children. Visit treesforcities.org.uk

Car company Honda has introduced an environmentally-friendly system to encourage drivers to use eco- driving techniques. It says its ecological drive assist system will be fitted to its hybrid vehicles to help drivers save fuel. It features a dashboard screen which lights up green when the driver is using fuel efficiently.