The Issues with Paper Receipts

Each year in the US alone, producing paper receipts consumes:

• 12.4 billion trees are cut down - the equivalent of 3% of the Amazon Rainforest
• 21 billion gallons of fresh water are wasted - enough to support 92.7 million people
• 12 billion pounds of CO₂ is produced - the same as running 1.2 million cars
• 1.3 billion kilowatts hours of energy - enough to power 200,000 homes

Approximately 86% of all paper receipts in the US are printed on thermal paper. Thermal paper is commonly used because it’s a faster and more cost-effective option for retailers, as it prints without ink. However, it’s coated with toxic chemicals like BPA and BPS, which can be absorbed through the skin. Studies have linked these substances to a range of potential health concerns, including:

• Hormone disruption
• Cognitive and developmental effects
• Reproductive issues
• Increased cancer risk
• Immune system interference