Is adding more packaging to abide by organic regulations a contradiction of eco-ethics or a higher standard of organic excellence? The answer could be both, depending on the product, so it's important to understand when packaging is necessary and when it is not.

Pre packed organic products ensures the produce arrives to us untouched from the farmer and packer who hold the organic licence. It's also a good way for supermarkets to keep non-organic and certified produce from being mixed up.

For some of us, ensuring that what we eat is free from pesticides and unnatural enhancers is at the top of our list when making a purchase. For others, packaging is an increasing concern where evidence is mounting to suggest that plastics made from petroleum, phthalates, bisphenol and hormone-altering substances, can seep into the packaged contents.

Another consideration is that even though an increasing amount of materials we use for packaging can be recycled the waste produced and the energy used during the recycling process has an effect on the environment.

An alternative to buying packaged organic goods is to visit your local farmers markets, or use one of the growing numbers of box schemes. You can also reuse carry bags and egg crates, take your own bags and find shops that refill bottles like Ecover's cleaning range, which shoppers can replenish at selected retail outlets (SoOrganic's Greenwich store being one of them).