Living : Money :

Are you gunning for the forest every time you use an ATM?

03.03.2009

Submitted by tmeronek on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 12:00am.
The Bite:
Maybe, since the number of trees that go to making receipts is just plain criminal. Hold up on requesting a receipt at the ATM, gas pump, checkout stand, and anywhere else where you have the choice, ski mask or not.
The Benefits: 
  • Less eco-thievery. Receipts from the 8 billion U.S. ATM transactions each year create a lotta waste - and most end up in the trash.
  • Not robbing yourself of time. You can view all your transactions on your bank's website, and some stores, such as Apple, will send an e-receipt to your email - überconvenient.
  • Peace of mind. Misplaced receipts can help thieves steal your identity.
Personally Speaking: 
Wallets stuffed with receipts give the illusion of more cash, and personally, we can't afford to be any more deluded about our spending reserves than we already are.
Wanna Try: 
  • Just say (or press) no.
 

Cocktail Fact

ATM holdups are three times more likely to happen between 6 and 9 pm.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters choose not to print their ATM receipts, in a year we'll save a roll of paper more than 1,500 feet long (think: three Washington Monuments put end to end).

13 comments
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Counter  on March 03, 2009 at 03:07 PM 11
This is not a good tip. KEEP those receipts to back up all your charges to your credit or debit card. If you pay cash at a gas station, you will likely just be able to say you don't want a receipt and the clerk throws it away. I would never ever advise anyone to toss receipts. I understand downloading a bank statement or credit card statement, but you need something to support (or dispute) those charges. Why don't you look for something more practical for those of us who want to go green? (Maybe remove the self-serve drink stations at fast food restaurants where customers help themselves to 2-3 lids trying to find the right size and a handful of napkins, most of which will go in the trash!)
Gloria  on March 03, 2009 at 07:18 PM 12
I press no at gas stations. But like a few people mentioned sometimes you need the receipt.
james cann  on June 23, 2009 at 06:42 PM 13
everything should go paperless. i never get a receipt from anywhere. There is no need for one. People should do the same. Marknadsnyheter
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