Skip the Receipt

One common item that we do not put much thought into and that can contribute toward serious environmental and health impacts is the receipt. In a report provided by Green America, it was estimated that the production of receipts in the United States alone has the following impacts every year:

• consumes 3 million trees

• uses 9 billion gallons of water

• generates 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide

• creates 302 million pounds of solid waste

In addition to the above concerns, the thermal paper used for receipts contains high levels of BPA. BPA stands for Bisphenol A and is a chemical commonly found in plastic packaging for food and beverages, kitchenware, and the inner coatings (resin) of cans and jar caps, among other things. Sufficient exposure to BPA can lead to serious health problems such as infertility, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and the early onset of puberty, and diabetes. As a result, most of us have seen the "BPA Free" label on plastic containers and cans as part of an effort to reduce our exposure. Many of us though are probably unaware of its use on receipts. BPA is used as a color developer on heat sensitive or thermal paper. Since the BPA is added and not chemically-bonded to the paper, it can readily be transferred to your hands when touching a receipt (see this JAMA article for more details).

Of particular concern since the appearance of COVID is the fact that hand sanitizer (in addition to hand cream and just having sweaty or greasy hands) can exacerbate our exposure to BPA when touching a receipt. A research study conducted in 2014 and highlighted in this Newsweek article found that because many commonly-used hand sanitizers contain chemicals that enhance dermal (skin) penetration, their application can increase the skin's absorption of BPA by up to 100 times. This is of particular concern if you touch food shortly after touching a receipt, such as at a restaurant or after leaving a grocery store.

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Helpful Hint

If you are planning to travel this holiday season, forego the receipt whenever you fill up your gas tank or stop at a restaurant along the way. If a gift receipt is desired, select "Email" if the option is given. Also, avoid storing receipts in your wallet or pocket; any bag or box that minimizes skin contact as well as contact with commonly used items such as credit cards is ideal.