The problem

“Would you like the receipt?”

How often do we hear these five simple words? Providing shameful reminders of the number of drinks consumed the night before, or the alarming amount of peanut butter that Morgana and Jas purchase, these little slips of paper are like souvenirs of our life.

But they’re not cute like a family photo album, and they fill up your wallet with a confusing stack of crunchy paper. Apparently, they’re bad for your health too.

Worst of all, in the US alone, over 250 million gallons of oil, 10 million trees, and 1 billion gallons of water are consumed each year in the making of receipts. This generates 1.5 billion pounds of waste. The Ginger and the Vegan don’t like waste.

“Ah, but receipts are useful!” naysayers cry, “They help me stay on top of my finances!”

Do they? Do they really?

As we transition to a cashless society and everyone uses cards, we can see most of our transactions on our bank statements and some shops have already started to email the receipts. Plus, there are loads of apps to help you live a paperless life.

“But then everything’s online, I’m being tracked, Google will find me, we are heading towards a Black Mirror reality!”

Chill out, friend.

A) Yes, that’s already happening regardless of your receipt use

B) At least by refusing receipts, you'll have a small part in saving the planet