Sometimes batteries are needed (like for smoke alarms). But many items that use batteries are not really needed, and as well as being made with toxic materials, discarded batteries are choking hazards for people, pets and wildlife. They also continue to leach toxic chemicals into the environment, after they are disposed of. Over 20,000 tons of batteries end up in landfills each year, with just 3% recycled.
Batteries work by converting chemicals to electricity, so have to work harder in heat. Therefore don’t store in extreme temperatures, as they are damaged by hot or cold. Don’t mix old with new batteries and store in dry areas, away from jewellery (or metallic items). If you accidentally ingest (or make eye contact) with a leaked battery, visit the hospital just to be sure. Never charge single-use batteries, you could cause a fire or explosion.
- Choose a good smoke alarm with a 10-year battery. Mains-powered alarms are installed (by qualified electricians) in new buildings, with battery back-up. Alkaline batteries need to be changed each year, but lithium batteries should last the lifetime of the alarm. See more on fire safety.
- Switch to battery-free torches and lanterns. Ideal for garden and camping, these work with wind-up technology. You can also buy battery-free bike lights and running lights. Jewellers can recycle watch batteries. Local mechanics can recycle car batteries.
- Businesses can request a free battery collection box. Or order a battery recycling bin (chemicals are turned into lighting – British Bins sells good battery recycling bins).
less batteries for creative children
One area of importance is to focus on less ‘push the button to do something’ mentality for youngsters. From toys that kill off a child imagination to being strict with time spent on laptops and smartphones, a trip to the natural toy shop or nature reserve helps to foster creativity and wonder in children. Nature campaigner Richard Louv once said that one of his saddest days was when interviewing children about the outside world. One child replied his favourite place was ‘indoors, because that’s where all the electrical outlets are’.
I don’t hate many things in this world – hate is an emotion I can’t sustain for long. But when I see a small child placed in front of a tablet by a parent, I want to cry. When I see people taking selfies on mountaintops, I want to push them off. I won’t have a smartphone in the house. If there was a big red button that turned off the Internet, I would press it without hesitation. Then I could collect every screen in the world and bulldoze the lot down into a deep mineshaft, which I would seal with concrete, and then I would skip away smiling into the sunshine. Paul Kingsnorth
music break: light
This is a good reason why occasionally, you should watch Jools Holland on BBC2. In case you miss discovering people like this:
