Nearly every American owns at least one nickel-based battery. They can be anything from your mobile phone to the battery-powered drill in the garage. As a reusable, rechargeable source of energy, nickel-based batteries provide the power we need to get the job done.

With millions of people taking advantage of these types of batteries the need to expand on their uses has greatly increased over the past few years. Consumers are turning to battery-operated vehicles and purchasing mobile phones at rates higher than ever imagined. There are many advantages of nickel-based batteries, including:

1. Nickel metal hydride batteries and nickel zinc batteries are fully rechargeable, leading to a longer shelf-life for batteries.

2. Nickel-based batteries, since they are rechargeable, don't often go into landfills.

3. Since the batteries are so often used, ample infrastructure exists to safely dispose of nickel-based batteries at the end of their useful life.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase vehicles that use nickel-based batteries

Air pollution is reaching all time highs and with global warming and high gas prices consumers are choosing to purchase vehicles that can go farther on less fuel. Nickel-based batteries are just one way we can help the environment.

I recommend: Auto manufacturers such as Toyota and Ford provide many vehicles, called hybrids, that use nickel-based batteries alongside traditional fuel. This gives consumers the opportunity to save money at the pump as well providing a cleaner exhaust.

Use nickel-based batteries to store the energy from solar cells and other renewable energy sources

Rechargeable nickel-based batteries are a good choice for storing the energy from windmills and solar panels. Because of their long life and slow discharge rate, you can store energy for up to three months for later use.

I recommend: Online retailers like the AltEnergyStore are a great place to find reasonable prices on your nickel-based batteries. Specialty retailers that deal in alternative energy sources like KingSolar can not only sell the batteries, but give you tips on how to install them, as well!

Choose nickel batteries over alkaline batteries

With the advances in nickel based batteries the power and life of a traditional sized AA or AAA battery has increased dramatically in the last few years. Choosing rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries or a nickel cadmium battery pack is a smarter choice.

I recommend: Nickel battery suppliers such as Only Batteries provide a number of options for purchasing a nickel cadmium battery while Energizer can provide you with traditional sized AA and AAA nickel batteries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Store nickel-based batteries and all other types of batteries at room temperature.
• •  Proper care of nickel hydride batteries can extend the life. Always recharge to full capacity and allow them to completely uncharge before recharging.