From the time you are born, you are surrounded by electronics that need batteries. No matter what the gadget, they all need to be powered by either a battery or a power cord. I personally think that using a power cord is better for the environment since it uses energy from either a Nuclear Power Plant or Coal Power Plant. Also using a power cord, the strength of a charge is stronger. If the gadget needs a battery, then it probably is one of many types of batteries. So first of all you have to buy that particular type and size of battery and make sure you have enough for the life of the product. Second, if they are not rechargeable you need to find a way to dispose of them, since the compounds in the dead battery can leech into the earth and cause harm.

Rechargeable Batteries

Buying a rechargeable battery can save the earth and money for you in the long run, especially the gadgets that drain the energy very fast. Also you should find out if the product takes rechargeable batteries, since some electronic toothbrushes die once the battery loses power. You wouldn’t be able to replace the battery in those types of devices. So before you buy the product, make sure it will make sense in the long-run.

To further benefit from the rechargeable batteries, buy an Energy Star device with Smart chargers. These chargers stop charging the batteries once it if fully charged and in other instance charge faster than the normal chargers. This can potential save about 4 million tons of greenhouse gases in a year.

Stretching your Dollar

To make sure your getting the most value for your dollar, buy a rechargeable battery with the charger combined. Places like Sam’s Club, sell the charging device with couple of different types of batteries. This way you won’t waste your time shopping around for a compatible device with the battery size.

It is also key to not have the charger plugged in all the time. To maximize the life of the battery, only charge the battery onces it’s dead or dieing. This way you will be able to take full advantage of the recharge. Also using a power-strip to charge the batteries or gadgets can save you money, since you can cut off the charge with one switch. If they are all charged at off peak hours, like after you go to sleep, you can save some money too.

Disposing of Batteries

After the life of the battery, it is very important to dispose them properly. There are many retailers that take in batteries almost free of charge. Give them a try for your home or office needs. Even though it is only required in California to recycle the Alkaline Batteries to be recycled, it is very important that all the other states follow.

Please do the right thing, since the number of electronic gadgets with batteries will only continue to increase for generations to follow.