There’s an easy way to get rid of all the reusable bags piling up in your home

When professional home organizer Britnee Tanner visits her clients, she frequently finds extra reusable bags tucked away in the kitchen or pantry. "They just are sneaky," Tanner remarks, explaining that she bought a few and now has a collection of unknown origin. Reusable tote bags are designed to be eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags, but it's easy to end up with too many through freebies, giveaways, or store-provided bags.

While the environmental impact of a reusable bag is minimal, accumulating a large quantity can lead to clutter. Sustainability scientist Shelie Miller from the University of Michigan advises against collecting an entire closet full of reusable bags, emphasizing the importance of having well-loved items that see actual use. Single-use plastic bags, on the other hand, are not designed to last and contribute to urban litter and microplastic pollution.

Many cities and states have banned single-use plastic bags, leading consumers to stock up on reusable alternatives. While durable reusable bags can last for years, excess bags of any kind tend to multiply over time. Environmental economist Kimberly Oremus uses her reusable bags for up to a decade before retiring them. However, the number of times a bag needs to be reused to offset its production impact varies depending on the material.

Miller emphasizes that reusables are beneficial for the environment, provided they are reused. To reduce the number of reusable bags, one can avoid purchasing new ones. If caught at the store without a bag, alternatives like using cardboard boxes can be utilized. When Oremus forgets her reusable bag, she seeks out cardboard boxes offered by store employees.

Once bags become unusable, they can be donated to textile recycling centers. For those with a surplus of reusable bags, it's best to keep the most functional ones and donate the rest, either to friends or charitable organizations like thrift stores and food banks. These organizations often accept donations of reasonably clean reusable bags, which can then be used for various purposes, such as carrying food, toys, or other supplies.