Rechargeable batteries.

Gaiam NiMH Batteries & Chargers – shown above

If you haven’t jumped on board with rechargeable batteries, you really should. The benefits are huge, both on a planet and money saving level. According to the Daily Green, “More than 15 billion batteries are thrown away each year.” WOW. Batteries not only NEVER biodegrade but they contain toxic gunk that can leak out of said batteries and contaminate soil and water. Now, if the planet is your only concern, you can recycle batteries – check Earth 911 for a recycling center near you.

However, if part of your game plan is also to save money (I know it is) get some rechargeable batteries.

Do they really save you that much money?:

Yes, they actually do. It may seem overwhelming because start up costs can be high, especially if you own many electronics that require batteries, but in the long run, you will save $. Grinning Planet offers a good rundown of just how rechargeable save you money and also note when they don’t. For example GP says that, “There are some uses where rechargeable batteries simply do not make economic sense… [such as for] low-draw devices like battery-powered wall clocks, smoke detectors, and remote controls, or devices that have long idle times (measured in months), like emergency flashlights.“

Which rechargeable to buy?:

Aim for quality at the get-go. If you’re paying for them, you may as well get decent ones. Check out Gaiam NiMH Batteries & Chargers which are good in my opinion or read, The Best Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers Of 2009.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

My husband and I have been using rechargeable batteries in his digital camera for years and I’m sure they have paid for themselves at least 100 times over.  I remember one day my husband had forgot to recharge the batteries for his camera and he had to use disposable batteries.  They didn’t take half as many pictures as the rechargeable ones.  I was instantly sold on how frugal they are.

We had a few toys that kept requiring battery changes and I replaced those with rechargeables.  It was great that I no longer had to switch out the batteries as often. 

Rechargeable batteries are also frugal for the environment, since there is less waste.  The picture of the batteries shown above is from Wal-Mart.  These batteries can be purchased for $10.47, which isn’t much more than disposable batteries.

So, tell me . . . do you use rechargeable batteries?  How do you like them?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy