Instead of buying the average, single-use, alkaline batteries, opt for rechargeable batteries. They are more expensive up front, but they will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, and save hundreds of batteries – along with their paper and plastic packaging – from going into the trash. Furthermore, properly recycled rechargeable batteries will keep many toxic substances out of your environment.
There are many kinds of rechargeable batteries, but nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) are the best you can get from several standpoints, including performance, cost, and low toxicity for the environment. Just remember to buy a charger, too. Also remember to recycle all batteries (NOT in your regular recycling – at stores or by mailing them in) when you are done with them.
Take Action / Next Steps
Ready to switch to rechargeable batteries? Sign up for the goal on ecomii Action and track your progress.
Did you know that using rechargeable batteries can save you hundreds of dollars?
If you are used to buying a $5 pack of eight single-use batteries every month, buying 12
rechargeable batteries – plus a charger – will save you $600 in ten years. You will save more if you use more
batteries (and if you include what you will save in gas money and time by not going to the store for batteries ever
again!).
Did you know that one rechargeable battery can save up to 300 single-use batteries from ending up in the trash?
Batteries are full of all kinds of toxic chemicals. When you throw them away, they
end up in landfills or incinerators, and from there those chemicals end up in the water, land and air.
