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Save a Tree for a Change

Receipts are really just another form of junk mail, if you think about it. The cashier at my local café tends to tuck my receipt (he is required to give me one) into the dollar bills I get as change, then precariously perch any coins on top. Argh! It's problem enough to even accept this tottering heap - between full coffee mug, slipping sunglasses, and tangled earphones, I'd give my right arm for an extra...arm - but what is it that's so annoying about someone lumping in a bit of trash with your change?

A friend of mine has taken to handing the receipt back to any given cashier, saying, "No, thank you." This has naturally led to some awkward interpersonal situations, but you have to wonder what would happen if all the Biters in the world just started handing receipts right back...same with those 10% off tanning session flyers forced into your hand or stuck under your windshield. If only there were a service we could sign up for to fight off the paper dogs everywhere, not just in mail...

-Jenifer Morgan... off to plant a tree and sprout another arm...
Posted by: tmeronek on 07/06/2007
related tip
Probably not. Do what we do, and practice avoidance. The number of trees used for receipts is criminal, so hold up on requesting a receipt at the ATM, gas pump, checkout stand, and anywhere else where you have the choice.
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The Lab  on July 06, 2007 at 06:28 AM 1
As a 5/3 bank customer they have a new option on their ATMs where you can set your preferences. One of these options is to choose whether the ATM prints a receipt or not. I thought this was very cool!
Jess  on July 06, 2007 at 06:51 AM 2
This is a bad tip. You're better off taking your receipt until you've received your statement (or checked online that it has been cleared appropriately) and shredding and recycling your receipt yourself. Most places are required to give you receipts or one prints automatically. If you don't take it, it gets thrown in the trash. Hanging on to a receipt can save you if someone does not actually charge the amount you authorized to your debit or credit card.
Karen  on July 06, 2007 at 07:07 AM 3
I used to say no to ATM receipts, but thought better of it, thank goodness. One day I made a deposit, but when I checked back later online, it hadn't been recorded. Luckily, I had my receipt and inquired. The bank had lost the deposit -- it was in the basement and they found it. But I don't think they would have looked for it -- nor would I have pushed for it (thinking I made the mistake) -- unless I had a receipt.
Andrea  on July 06, 2007 at 08:14 AM 4
this is a good tip - a receipt is really just a printed confirmation of electronic activity. I too had an error on an ATM deposit, but the bank didn't even care to see my receipt because it was all in the computer. They could see what I typed in, what time, what location, etc. At the very least, when you're withdrawing money you should opt-out of receipts. As for retail stores, sometimes I can avoid the receipt if I tell them I don't want it before it prints. It's easy for cashiers to hit a 'no receipt' button on most cash registers.
Leigh  on July 06, 2007 at 08:58 AM 5
this also goes for plane ticket jackets, bags/tissue at retail shops, causually passed flyers in public places... Just say no.
Pascal Gillon, BASc  on July 06, 2007 at 09:08 AM 6
It is a matter of having receipts ONLY if you need it to show expense or for a return. Apart this, to save paper on those matters? Sure, usually you do not need a receipt for filling up your car. Also when you pay bills, do it online, not with cheques. Also, use reusable cups for coffee whenever you can.
bcp  on July 06, 2007 at 09:35 AM 7
Usually the ideas I have seen here are pretty good but I think this one is really, really dumb. E-commerce and banking systems make many many errors every year. You just don't hear about them due to the excellent PR skills and "power" of these companies. A receipt is often the only solution to proving "they" made a mistake. Having had this experience on my credit card I would like to say I ALWAYS take and keep my receipts. I believe the risk to consumers is in this case is much more significant vs. the risk to the environment. If we ever end up in world where our biggest injustice to mother earth is that fact that I took an ATM receipt....I for one will be pretty happy! Just walk to the ATM instead of driving and take your receipt! ideal bite...looks like it was a slow day for ideas eh? it's okay you're allowed an off day.
cdavidson  on July 06, 2007 at 09:52 AM 8
Despite the previous remark, i believe your suggestion is excellent and something I've done for a long time. I download all my banking statements and credit card statements (which by the way, are the real criminals. Watch "Maxed Out")But I've taken to accepting my grocery receipt because if I say no, they just toss it in the trash and at least I can recycle it. And if you don't believe that doing one little step will help save the planet, we're all doomed. Everyone doing one little step is the only thing that's going to save our asses.
Kathy  on July 06, 2007 at 10:00 AM 9
Bad tip unless clarified for use only when paying cash for small ticket item -- such as lunch or such. Banking and credit card errors happen plenty and receipts can save the day. Plus, if everyone eschews receipts, less scrupulous folks could be encouraged to take advantage of the situation. A better tip would be to urge the production of paper by hemp or another renewable, sustainable resource.
Pat Tibbs  on July 06, 2007 at 10:05 AM 10
I bank online and ask for electronic billings from any creditors. I don't write more than a half dozen checks per year and probably use only a dozen postage stamps per year. Still I accept receipts for ATM activity because I, too, had a bad experience. It involved a dishonest bank employee. The bank made it good but I'm not willing to put myself at the mercy of 'bad guys.'
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