You've probably gotten some of those ridiculously long receipts while shopping - after buying only a few things, the store not only itemized your purchase, but the receipt also includes coupons, special promotions and surveys. Most of us don't need a physical receipt, making the routine of printing one seem wasteful.

And then I learned about the environmental and public health impacts that paper receipts have. According to Green America and Square, millions of trees are killed every year to make paper receipts. Just as surprising is the fact that many paper receipts are toxic because they're coated with Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS), which are known endocrine disruptors that can cause developmental and neurological problems. These additives also make paper receipts neither recyclable nor compostable.

That's why I introduced AB 161, known as Skip the Slip legislation. It would require businesses to make e-receipts the default practice by 2022. Customers can still ask for a paper receipt upon request. Watch some of the highlights from my press conference, unveiling the proposal.

Let's embrace the digital age and move toward e-receipts. AB 161 is expected to be heard in committee this spring. In the meantime, please sign my petition in support of Skip the Slip.

Sincerely,

Phil Ting
Assemblymember, 19th District