I know I pick on batteries a lot but…
If there’s one thing that drives me crazy, it’s the fact that batteries are sold in packets of two and four while so many electronic devices require THREE batteries! Surely I’m not the only lone ranger who finds this phenomenon absolutely irritating?? How many single wasted batteries are there lying aimlessly around the bottom of kitchen draws wondering why they had to be the one that missed out. I might have to send energizer an email with a ‘please explain’  - stay tuned.

…and while we’re on the topic of batteries, have a look at the toy isle in Target…say no more!

I know I go on a lot about batteries. There is a simple reason for this. If we don’t get a handle on the consumption(and disposal) of normal everyday batteries, we are going to have a major problem on our hands in the not too distant future. Next time you visit the supermarket (or a chemist for that matter), take the time to notice the battery display – It’s big, and getting bigger! The average Australian household can use up to 109 single life batteries per year. In the UK  they throw away up to 30 000 kg of batteries per year (in Australia it’s currently around 8000kg)

Naturally my thought is to avoid products that use batteries if you can. Electric toothbrushes for example.. Absolutely unnessasary, and if your dentist tells you otherwise, find a new dentist because the one you have is secretly working for a battery company.

If you must use batteries, try to use rechargable ones, and look for battery recycling schemes – there are a few around.

I’ve stumbled across the SITA site who claim that I can call to have a battery recycling box delivered.

http://www.sita.com.au/our-services/collection-services/battery-recycling-.aspx

I’ll be calling tomorrow and I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

In the mean time check out this little beauty…

You push down on the drivers little head and he scurries across the floor like there’s no tomorrow! Hours of fun for the whole family! (NBR – no battery required!)

These spinning tops have been around forever.

The mechanism that makes them work is truly wonderful. A twisted metal rod is pushed downward and must somehow drive a fitted cog. To be honest I have always wanted to open one of these spinners just to see exactly how they work. Perhaps now that I’m blogging about these things I might actually do it.

Anyway, the point is, the toy above doesn’t require batteries, and, looked after, it will continue to run as long as there are people left on the planet who are strong enough to push the driving rod.

If you can find more examples of products that don’t require batteries i’d love to hear from you. If you are from a battery company, I’d love to hear from you also. 

Nothing like a good old fashioned debate to kick things off…

wasteman