# Bags of common sense

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/18/bags-common-sense/
- Published: 2008-07-18T11:32:06+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

I was very pleased to see that the delegates’ bags at this year’s Institute of Fundraising
[National Convention](http://www.nationalconvention.org.uk) were made of paper.

It has irked me for years when attending fundraising conferences and training sessions
how often one is handed a shoulder bag or briefcase made out of some kind of plastic
or leather. I don’t need another bag thank you, and certainly not one made from 
those products!

## Advertisement

 ⌊Paper bags for delegates at National Convention 2008⌉ Of course the conference
bag is a sponsorship and advertising opportunity so costs can be covered by a commercial
organisation rather than the conference organiser. But still, you have always been
able to print your logo on paper.

The Institute has got there in stages. Last year was a jute bag which, according
to Third Sector, the Institute’s CEO Lindsay Boswell re-used subsequently in his
garden.

But sturdy paper bags are the best option in my view, so well done to the Institute
for making this move.

Now, any ideas what to do with all those plastic and leather bags that I’ve spotted
in my 20 years of going to fundraising conferences and training sessions? Any organisers
offering to offset their carbon footprint or environmental impact?

 * **[Institute appoints three new Fellows](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/22/institute-appoints-three-new-fellows/)**(
   22 July 2008)
 * **[Institute of Fundraising Scotland launches awards](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/22/institute-fundraising-scotland-launches-awards/)**(
   22 July 2008)
 * **[Fundraising career supplement by The Independent](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/09/22/fundraising-career-supplement-independent/)**(
   22 September 2008)