When we recently learned that some receipts can release far more BPA than many plastic bottles, we had to investigate. While this topic isn’t directly DIY-related, it matters for a safe, healthy home — especially around Earth Day. We’re also big believers in simplifying life, and the simple solution we adopted reduces clutter and makes daily routines easier. Who doesn’t want a more organized wallet, purse, and home?
Here’s the summary. Science News reported that some receipts are printed using a technology that leaves them coated in a powdered form of BPA. That powdered BPA can transfer to hands and surfaces much more easily than the trace amounts found in many plastic products. For comparison: plastic bottles may leach nanogram quantities of BPA, while an average receipt contaminated with BPA can contain 60 to 100 milligrams — and that BPA is loose and ready to spread. A bottle generally needs heat or aging to release BPA, but receipts can transfer it immediately. The idea of that made us want to wash our hands immediately.
Although opinions vary about the severity of BPA’s risks, public health agencies have raised concerns. The Centers for Disease Control classifies BPA as an endocrine disruptor, and studies have linked it to health issues such as altered hormonal development, obesity, and other concerns. The FDA has said there is “some reason for concern” regarding fetal and child development, and public-health experts have advised avoiding unnecessary exposure. The troubling part is that BPA-coated receipts look identical to non-BPA receipts, so you can’t tell by sight which ones are risky.
Our approach is precautionary: we aim to reduce exposure without becoming obsessive. We’ve already cut back on potential sources of BPA by choosing glass containers instead of plastic, and by using a stainless steel water bottle rather than disposable plastic bottles. We even registered for glass bottles for our baby. Still, the receipt issue made us realize how often we might handle BPA-coated slips — for example, touching a receipt after washing hands and before eating. That felt gross, especially during pregnancy when caution is heightened.
Fortunately, our solution was simple. Whenever possible we ask the cashier to discard the receipt for us so it never touches our hands, purse, wallet, or home. Many receipts we’re offered are unnecessary — food, gas, and routine purchases rarely need a paper trail. If you use a credit card, your purchases are already recorded on your statement, so you may not need most of those slips clogging files and drawers. For business expenses, credit card statements often provide the documentation you need for write-offs.
Some returns still require receipts, but many large retailers like Home Depot and Target can look up purchases by the credit card used, eliminating the need for a paper receipt if you didn’t pay cash. We haven’t used a paper receipt to return items at those stores in months — it’s convenient. Using a credit card (paid off monthly) also helps keep records organized and can earn rewards, which beats keeping a wad of paper in a purse. For receipts you can’t avoid, consider storing them in a closed container or accordion file in your purse or home, and wash your hands after handling them in case they contain BPA.
Thinking further, it would be great if opting out of receipts became more common. That would cut paper waste and save businesses money. Our ATM already asks if we want a receipt, and we always decline — a small habit that keeps our purse cleaner and eliminates one more slip of paper. If more retailers offered that choice, receipts might become less common overall. Going receipt-free is a simple habit that can reduce clutter and may lower potential health risks.
What do you think? No need to don gloves and scour your wallet, but basic precautions make sense. Handwashing and politely declining unnecessary receipts are easy steps. For a healthy and happy home, what other small changes have you made to simplify and protect your space? Any babyproofing projects, low-VOC paint tests, or clever organization tips you’re trying?
Update: This topic received additional coverage in a later Washington Post article.