“Dear Governor Schwarzennegger ,

Disposable batteries are major polluters. Unlike rechargeable batteries there is no clear recycle path. Pallet loads of AAA through D size batteries are sold every day along with the freight to deliver them to the seller and then to the land fill. A superior rechargeable battery, Eneloop for instance, which is the same technology used in Ford Hybrids, costs less than nine disposable batteries but replaces a thousand of them. What makes them better however is that unlike other rechargeable batteries they retain their charge over a year without being in a charger. They recycle when they stop working. Depoteco.com gave away these powerpacks for Earthday 2008 and has a blog with feed back. I changed all my AA and AAA batteries, they have worked well and in fact during the fire blackouts this summer provided ample power for LED lighting and electronic gadgets.
The combination of these batteries and LED lights is an inexpensive, safe, convenient, dependable, versatile, energy sparing, designer-friendly lighting solution that works during emergencies. They can look like candles or desk lamps, retro or modern, solar, cordless or wall powered. When I reach for a light in the dark I want it to work regardless of what’s smoking or shaking!
This review explains eneloop “low self- discharge nickle metal hydride” batteries.

http://www.cpfreviews.com/Batteries-Sanyo-Eneloop-Green-Online.php

It is possible to save a great deal of money-energy-freight as soon as disposable batteries are weaned out of the system. Meanwhile it is difficult to understand why batteries are not required to carry a redemption deposit like other disposable containers?

Thank you for your service, it gives me hope.

Tom “