I have happy to say that between my wife and I, who both registered for the conference and exhibits at ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, we came back with only 1 more bag then we left with (despite returning with over 50 books) and only about 5-6 items of swag. I carried my mug, from Internet Librarian, almost the whole time and was able to waste very few beverage cups and recycle some of those. I actually mentioned it to some people, causing smiles and a couple "I forgot mine at home."
I didn't realize that I would have to say "No, thank you" as often as I did to exhibitor bags and swag. But in the end, I feel much better about my impact on the environment. I hope that I can find avenues to effect change on the profession for the positive. The idea, from SLA members, to bring old conference bags and lanyards to the conference can be done REAL SOON. And if anyone complains about losing corporate sponsorship revenue, just have the company sponsor the concept (and put up one poster or something).