Help Protect the Environment by Using Fewer Batteries

Although almost every household has a myriad of gadgets which require batteries, it's a known fact that they are an environmental hazard. Many communities even forbid them to be disposed of along with the rest of the household trash. The end result is often a drawer full of dead batteries, without a convenient way of disposing of them. Many times the best way of dealing with the problem is to just find ways of needing fewer batteries in the first place.

The Dangers of Batteriesr
If you've ever opened a flashlight, calculator or other device that has been allowed to sit for an extended amount of time with a battery still in it, you've likely seem the dangerous corrosion that can occur. This corrosion and the chemicals that cause it are the primary reason why batteries should never be sent to the landfill. If you save your batteries so that you can dispose of them properly, always make sure to keep them in a secure container, to protect against corrosion damage. You should also store them out of the reach of small children to prevent possible injury. Never store batteries in a drawer, whether they are new or used, or leave them unattended in a valuable device such as a camera for an extended period of time, since damage is likely to occur.

Using Rechargeable Batteriesr
Rechargeable batteries are one way of using fewer batteries around the house. Although eventually even a rechargeable battery must be discarded, it will happen far less often than with regular alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries come in a wide variety of types, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding them for at least most of your battery-consuming devices.

Using Solar Devicesr
In addition to standard rechargeable batteries, you'll find many solar devices on the market today. In most cases, these devices will recharge themselves all day long, while they are exposed to light. This stored power then allows them to be used even after dark. Calculators, landscape lighting and some flashlights are among the many devices that use this solar recharging technology. There are even rechargers for other devices that can be used in solar mode. The power of the sun is renewable and free, and can be a great way of avoiding the need for disposable batteries.

Avoiding Unnecessary Battery User
In some cases, the best way to use fewer batteries is to just not use some gadgets at all, or at least reduce your usage of them. If you don't really need to use the device, think twice about even purchasing it. Some items can be a lot of fun, such as greeting cards that play music. However, a battery lurks inside of all of these devices. "If you don't absolutely need it, don't buy it" should be the words you live by. If you simply must buy one of these devices, never forget that they contain a battery. Therefore, you should always remove the battery, no matter how small it is, before ultimately disposing of the item.