Question: There is a new type of coffee called coffee in a bag (I'm sure you've seen the ad). Why was this invented and what is the use, if this bag ends up in the landfill. Even if it was recyclable it wouldn't be as good for the environment as normal bagless coffee, or would it?

Amy Stockwell answered on 6 Feb 2021:

It is same as the difference as teabags and loose leaf tea. The advantage of teabags is that they are in individual portions and they are less messy than loose tea.

The environmental impact is difficult to say. Yes it is extra material, but it stops us spilling coffee or using a bit too much coffee. A good rule of thumb is the more something weighs the worse it is for the environment, so a little bit of filter paper may have a lower carbon footprint than spilling half a pack of coffee all over the floor!