  Batteries are a convenient and easy source of energy used to power all sorts of everyday gizmos like digital cameras, mp3 players and many of the kids’ toys parents will purchase this Christmas. Uniross, a leader in rechargeble energy solutions claims that an astounding 40 billion batteries were sold worldwide in 2006.
With the majority of these ending up on landfill sites the negative environmental consequence is huge. Rawmaterials.com states that even though household batteries make up just 1% of the waste on a landfill site, they are responsible for an incredible 50% to 70% of all heavy metals found in the landfill.
Heavy metals in the batteries such as cadmium, nickel and mercury (the essential charge holding components) pose a serious threat to the environment. Upon disposal they can leak through the battery’s casing and find their way into rivers and even the food chain, damaging aquatic environments and ecosystems. When batteries are incinerated and not recycled they also release harmful toxins into the earth’s atmosphere.
You can avoid your batteries becoming part of this toxic situation by making the switch to rechargeble batteries. Not only will you be doing your bit for the environment but you will also benefit from the fantastic cost savings provided by simply charging up your batteries.
The study ‘World Batteries’, by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry market research firm, states that the global battery market is now around $55 billion. This is a phenomenal amount alone, but did you know that the market for rechargeble batteries accounts for only 10 percent of that figure? Its incredible to think a perfect solution to the toxic effects of the alkaline battery (the non-rechargeable type) is readily available, but is still not being harnessed by the majority of us!
Results of Uniross study into environmental effects of batteries:
For every 1 kWh of energy produced, rechargeble batteries have:
• 23 times less potential impact on non-renewable natural resources.
• 28 times less potential impact on global warming.
• 30 times less potential impact on air pollution (ozone pollution).
• 9 times less potential impact on air acidification.
• 12 times less potential impact on water pollution. Batteries Going Green
In May 2006, global battery manufacturer Uniross entered into a partnership with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to increase global awareness of rechargeable batteries and their ecological advantages over disposables. In addition to this, in 2007 Uniross conducted the first major study (see table right) into the environmental impact of batteries and found that “for equivalent energy production (1 kWh), rechargeable batteries can, on average generate up to 32 times less impact on the environment than disposable batteries”.
Peter Keen, MD of Uniross states that, "No study has ever shown the environmental benefits of rechargeable batteries. Today, when the choices of responsible consumption are at the heart of the debate, the Uniross study proves that switching from disposable to sustainable is not only possible, but also necessary”.
Good for Your Pocket
Rechargeable batteries, also known as secondary batteries, were originally designed to be a cost- effective alternative to disposables that could be used over and over again. They come in the same shapes and sizes as regular batteries including AA, AAA, C and 9-volt, but have the great advantage of being rechargeable. When discharged, just slot them into their chargers and they’re as good as new within a few hours.
A set of rechargeable batteries and charger will cost you around R90 which you may think at first is a little pricey when compared to the average of R35 for a pack of AA batteries. However here’s the money saving part, a regular Nickel-Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH) battery (the latest rechargeable battery) can be recharged up to a mind boggling 1 500 times! Your maths doesn’t have to be great to know that’s a massive potential saving.
Still not convinced? Then did you also know that rechargeble batteries last up to five times longer on each charge than disposable batteries (see Uniross study)? Another fantastic environmental advantage is that for every rechargeble battery bought, an astounding 1 000 less disposable batteries find their way on to landfill sites.
High Drain, Low Drain
Recent technologies have led to the development of the new hybrid Ni-MH rechargeble batteries. Their main advantage over regular rechargeables is that they hold their charge for many months as opposed just a few days. This is great news for people who have a mix of high-drain (mp3 players, digital cameras etc.) and low-drain devices (remote controls, smoke alarms etc.).
Tips On Keeping Your Batteries Healthy!
Whether you have rechargeble or regular batteries, here are some helpful things you could do to make them last that little bit longer.
1. Cool batteries - Your batteries will last longer if you store them in a nice cool place, like the fridge! It sounds crazy but it works, storing your batteries in a hot place will cause them to de-charge quicker and even leak in some cases.
2. A/C over AAs - How many of your household gadgets are using batteries but could be plugged into the wall? Using your A/C adapter will make your batteries last longer and cut down on the waste produced by expelled batteries. Don’t forget this only saves you money and the environment if you turn off or unplug any adapters after use.
3. Don’t mix - Never mix rechargeble batteries with regular alkaline batteries as this could not only damage the device but could cause the batteries to ignite.
4. When the end is near - All batteries, even rechargeble batteries have a shelf life. Even a rechargeble battery can only be charged so many times before it expires and is then considered toxic household waste. Rechargeble batteries are also much easier to recycle as the chemicals are extracted and reused in new batteries. So rather than throwing away any batteries into your bin, start a dead battery collection and find out where your local collection or recycling point is.
Get Charging
It’s clear to see that whether you’re snapping away on your digital camera, listening to your favourite tunes on your mp3 player or just sitting on the couch channel hopping with your remote, rechargeble batteries will help super charge your devices the super green way. In the simplest terms, they will save you lots of money, and you’ll be saving the environment too!
Robin Forrester is a staff writer at Harmonious Living.
Disclaimer: Harmonious Living is written for and read by a community of individuals with strong and independent opinions. While the publishers of Harmonious Living are dedicated to providing a forum in which views can be openly expressed, those views do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.
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