Reusable grocery bags, designed to replace single-use plastic bags, can unintentionally pile up in homes, especially when people receive them as free gifts or promotional items. Professional home organizer Britnee Tanner has observed that many of her clients end up with more bags than they can use, often finding them stored in unexpected places like under beds or in closet corners. Sustainability scientist Shelie Miller from the University of Michigan explains that having a small, well-used collection of reusable items is more environmentally beneficial than accumulating many that are rarely used. While reusable bags are meant to reduce plastic waste, they can still contribute to clutter if not managed carefully. Single-use plastic grocery bags are now banned in 12 U.S. states, and many cities have introduced bag taxes or other initiatives to encourage reusable alternatives. As a result, many people have stockpiled reusable bags made from materials like canvas, cloth, or thick plastic. Some, like environmental economist Kimberly Oremus, have used the same bags for over a decade. However, it's common for additional bags of different shapes and sizes to accumulate over time. The production of reusable bags requires energy and resources, such as water used to grow cotton or the energy needed to manufacture synthetic materials. The number of times a bag must be reused to offset its environmental cost depends on the material. For example, durable canvas bags may require more uses to balance out their environmental impact compared to thinner plastic totes. This means that not all reusable bags are equally sustainable, and using them efficiently is key to maximizing their benefit. To manage the surplus, experts suggest selecting the most useful reusable bags and donating the rest. Britnee Tanner recommends choosing favorites and assigning specific tasks to each bag, such as one for library books, others for groceries, and another for lunches. After use, returning the bag to its designated spot ensures it's ready for the next use. Unused bags can be given to friends or donated to local organizations. Many stores, food banks, and shelters accept reusable bags. For example, Las Vegas Books gives out donated bags to customers, while Burbank Animal Shelter uses larger totes for pet supplies. The Community FoodBank of New Jersey has collected reusable bags since 2022, providing them to people who visit their food pantries, as long as the bags are clean and intact.