Batteries are a consumer convenience and like all conveniences, they come at a cost. Alkaline batteries should be disposed of as consumer hazardous waste but often aren't. Lithium ion rechargeables have yet to make their way to the consumer space. (AA and AAA format) Ampergen offers a potential solution with its

UltraLast Green line of batteries

, solar and USB chargers. These chargers even offer the ability to charge your devices using rechargeable batteries via a standard powered USB port.