Constantly buying batteries? Maybe it’s time to switch to rechargeables

SAN ANTONIO – Meghan Patterson and her family made the switch to rechargeable batteries.“With kids’ toys, we go through batteries all the time,” she said. “Now, I don’t feel guilty about it.”Both rechargeable and single-use batteries contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can pollute the environment. They both require water and energy in the manufacturing process and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.But, a 2016 study in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment found that rechargeable batteries are more sustainable than disposables after you’ve used them at least 50 times, something that shouldn’t be a problem for many families.Consumer Reports says a great place to use rechargeables is toys and wireless computer mice because the batteries usually draw a lot of power over a short period of time.Be sure to buy a charger that can…

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