Splat | WiseTome.com

Technology has always be ‘witch-hunted’ for causing damage to our environment. There are many cases where technology helps in protecting the environment. But on the other hand, it can be argued that technology is the source for the damage to begin with. The cause though, is human need. As humans needs and wants increase, technology happens to be the tool that serves the purpose, and as a side effect, it causes environmental damage.

Batteries are one such product of technology and they serve several of our needs. And since we use the batteries, the responsibility falls on our shoulder to ensure that we protect the environment.

As we have seen earlier, batteries can be grouped as primary and secondary batteries. The use of secondary or rechargeable batteries would decrease the number of units we use, and arguably must reduce the effect it has on environment. But if they are not properly put to recycling process, they contain more toxic chemicals and heavy metals than primary batteries.

Batteries can be recycled - be it primary or rechargeable batteries. The Nickle in the NiCd battery can be reclaimed and reused. The problem though comes when we use the ‘use and throw’ kind of gadgets that have the battery sealed in them. This makes it difficult for recycling.

So how can you do your due in protecting the environment with regards to batteries?

• Reduce use of battery - When you need a new battery, double check that the battery is indeed fully discharged. Ensure that you do not have batteries with you before buying new ones. If possible, use converters and avoid use of batteries.
• Rechargeable batteries -Whenever possible, use rechargeable batteries. If you are going to see that they are recycled, this will go a long way in reducing the toxic material fall out into environment.
• Recycle - See that when you throw your waste, you put the used batteries in the recycling bin. Put effort at finding out if there are battery recycling collection outlets in your area, and dispose your batteries there.

Use of rechargeable battery is not the start and end of environment protection. But it does go a long way if the right path is chosen. Research in developing better rechargeable battery would mean that they can be economically used along with environmental friendly power generation options.

To illustrate the point, consider solar power generation. The problem with the option is that no power is generated during the night. But if augmented with an efficient rechargeable battery system, it could be used practically. The same would be the case with any other radical power generation systems.

Use the batteries wisely, and look out for the environment. We owe that to our future generations.