Completely Unnecessary

It is completely unnecessary for the ATM to automatically print out the receipt with the user's balance on it, as the digital display shows what is on the receipt anyway. At the moment, BDO ATM users do not have a choice on the matter - the ATM prints a receipt once you select to view your balance. Providing an option for the machine to print a receipt for these Balance Inquiry transactions could prove to be much less wasteful.

Why Does This Matter?

Several thousands of hectares of Philippine forests are cut down every year for the production of paper, legally and illegally. Cutting down forests releases Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere and also reduces the number of CO2-absorbing trees, thereby increasing greenhouse gases that warm our planet.

Losing forest cover also intensifies the effects of natural calamities, such as flash floods. Human lives are put in more and more peril as deforestation continues.

Forests serve as a natural habitat for thousands of animal species. Destroying these forests disrupts the ecosystem, and this has ripple effects on other animal and human activities.

Lastly, paper receipts create tons of largely unnecessary waste each year. The manpower and money used to manage this waste can be put into much more productive ventures. Also, trash just sucks: it doesn't look or smell good, and it creates so many environmental problems.

What's This Going to Do?

BDO is the largest bank in the country and has the most ATMs to date. Simply providing a "Do you want a printed receipt?" option on the Balance Inquiry function would allow users to cut down on paper they often do not need. This would also set an example for other banks, and strengthen BDO's environmental leadership in the banking sector. Most importantly, it would be good for forests, good for the environment, and ultimately, good for the Earth.

BDO have nothing to lose. Taking action on this issue would save the bank money (on cost of paper), improve their corporate image, and save thousands of trees from being cut down.