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Sales of rechargeable batteries have gone through the roof, according to figures from the Co-operative Bank Ethical Consumer Report. The report shows that from 2005 to 2006, sales of rechargeable batteries went up 20 per cent, from 35 million to 42 million.
At Christmas there is always an increased demand for batteries as millions of toys and electronic gadgets are given as presents. In fact, 40 per cent of batteries are sold in the lead up to the holidays. Products often come with some disposable batteries to avoid disappointment on Christmas morning, but people often stock up on
extras, just in case. This causes a lot of waste, and batteries are particularly nasty things to dispose of.
"Re-usable batteries save money and help save the environment. They are only slightly more expensive than the throw-away ones but because they can be re-charged 500 times they save this difference many times over," says Colin Baines, ethics adviser at The Co-operative. This means that if you use just one rechargeable battery, you'll save the energy associated with making 499 standard batteries -- a massive help to the environment.
"With UK sales of 700 million batteries per year the potential for energy saving is considerable," says Baines. You should be able to get your hands on rechargeable batteries -- such as the handy USB chargeable batteries from USBCell pictured above -- at most electrical stores.
As well as batteries, the Co-op report covers all areas of green living -- from energy-saving lightbulbs to green cars -- and the results make interesting reading. Sustainable fish, for example, has gone up a massive 224 per cent, green energy by 135 per cent and real nappies by 40 per cent. On the other hand, charity shop buying has gone down 20 per cent and 'travel boycotts' have fallen by 21 per cent (better ask France for tips on that).
03 January 2008 11:19pm
I think it is great that the sales of rechargable batteries has risen, but the bit I like the most is the USBCell, its convinient and even if your on holiday you can just plug ur battery into the laptop and get it charged instead of a silly charging dock.
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Got a green product that you love or hate? Share the word by writing a review and telling the world.
