First it was plastic bags, then styrofoam, and now it may be paper receipts that get the ax in New York City.
And it’s because of more than just environmentally-friendly factors. Most receipt paper is actually coated with BPA, which is said to have negative health effects on people (relating to estrogen hormones, specifically, according to Healthline).
According to a press release from the New York City Council, they will “consider four bills that will look at providing consumers with the option of:
- Declining a paper receipt in exchange for an e-receipt
- Providing customers with the option not to print receipts
- Requiring the recycling of receipts
- And alternatives to BPA/BPS paper.”
Green America reports that over three million trees and nine billion gallons of water are used annually in the United States to print paper receipts. Most are coated with BPA, and even the EU banned BPA receipts starting in 2020.
Upcoming hearings over the next few months will decide the fate of the bills.
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