Kids driving you crazy this summer? Read the Green Parent?

Green Job: DIY Battery Reconditioning

If you could think of a cool job that you could do in your spare time in your garage that would help the environment would you want to know about it? Have you ever thought about where all the used rechargeable batteries go when you think they are not useful anymore?

Unfortunately, most batteries rechargeable or not go into our trash cans and then into our landfills where they eventually leak acid into the soil. This obviously is not a good thing especially as we own so many electronic gadgets that require rechargeable batteries such as computers, Ipods cameras, phones, gardening and power tools just to name a few.

So what is the number 1 reason we throw our batteries in the trash?

“BECAUSE WE DON’T KNOW WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE.”

Here are a few options to consider:

1) If you want to make one small change today, find  2 shoe boxes and label them “Used Batteries” for all your disposable batteries and “used rechargeable batteries”

2) Check with your city to see if they have a drop off location for used disposable batteries. Walnut Creek, California is an example of what options are available for convenient drop off in their city.

3) Find a local business that specializes in battery reconditioning or rechargeable batteries.

4) Start your own battery reconditioning business it’s a lot easier than you think. The benefits include:

• Not a significant investment to get started.
• A battery reconditioning service can be started in a small space such as a corner of your garage.
• Can be a great side business, an extra stream of income, or a great summer job for a high school or college student.

If you want an outline of what it takes to start a battery reconditioning business I found a cool link for you to review.

How to Set-up a Battery Reconditioning Business

Green Recycling - Recycle your old batteries in Walnut Creek

July 9, 2009

9:00 pm

Local retailers are now providing battery recycling for single-use household batteries. Those merchants in Walnut Creek who now accept batteries are: Long’s Drugs stores at 1123 S. California Blvd., 1914 Tice Valley Blvd., and 738 Bancroft Rd., and Rite Aid Drugs at 1526 Palos Verde Mall. For more information, contact Lois Courchaine at the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority atlois@wastediversion.org

Which Shade of Green?

July 18, 2009
10:00 am	to	12:00 pm

Select the right products and projects for an energy-efficient and sustainable remodel.

Where	McCutcheon Construction 1280 Sixth St. Berkeley, CA 94710 510-558-3906
Who	Organizer: McCutcheon Construction Cost: $15 for advanced registration or $20 at the door. Contact: Angelita Menchaca 510-558-3906
Description	Even the most basic remodel can include green features that make your home healthier, more comfortable, and energy efficient. In this workshop you’ll learn about heating and venting solutions that increase livability and decrease utility bills. You will also receive information about Home Performance Audits, which provide valuable data on how to optimize home-energy performance. The best green materials and products will be reviewed in detail; you’ll find out where to find them and how to make smart selections. To register or find out more about this seminar, visit www.mcbuild.com, email Avaw@mcbuild.com or call Ava at 510.558.3906.