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Technology is constantly changing and advancing, which we know all too well. We all want the latest gadgets to make our lives easier and achieve better results. But have you ever stopped to think about what powers all these devices?
So, why is the UK so behind in adopting the best practices when it comes to powering our electronics?
Batteries are everywhere in our homes. From TV remotes and children's toys to power tools and handheld appliances. They're constantly buzzing in the background, but we don't give them much thought until they run out.
But do you know the impact that batteries have on the environment?
We want to open your eyes to this genuine problem and let you know how seriously we take sustainability.
The Curse of Single-Use Batteries
Before we go any further, we must fully understand the problem: single-use batteries.
The phrase 'single-use' is enough to make any environmentally conscious Brit shudder. So why do we turn a blind eye when it comes to batteries?
What is Battery Waste?
Battery waste refers to the old batteries we chuck out that can't be recharged or used again. Every single-use battery falls under this category, from the ones you take out of your clock to larger industrial batteries.
Did you know that we throw out a staggering 600 million batteries annually in the UK? If that's not shocking enough, what if we tell you that we use 150,000 tonnes of batteries annually?
These are huge numbers that can be hard to wrap your head around. So where do they all go? Well, we can tell you that only around 17,000 tonnes of the batteries we use each year actually get recycled properly.
Shocking, isn't it?
What Happens if Batteries Are Not Recycled Properly?
When batteries aren't recycled, they end up in our growing UK landfills. It's not surprising when you look at the data pulled together by Business Waste. They found that only 20% of Britons are familiar with local recycling schemes, and only 4% have recycled their batteries more than once.
The batteries that end up in landfills are bad news for our environment:
- They sit and corrode over time, leaking chemicals into the soil.
- These chemicals contaminate our groundwater and surface water.
- Our oceans get filled with these toxins, wreaking havoc on aquatic life.
- We might even be drinking water laced with metals and toxins from our taps at home!
And it gets worse. Batteries in landfills are unstable and can actually cause fires that smoulder for years. Releasing harmful chemicals into the air we breathe and contributing to global warming.
Scary stuff, isn't it? And infuriating when you realise how easy it is to recycle your batteries. But recycling isn't the only option.
The Rise of Rechargeable Batteries
The good news is, we Brits are more environmentally conscious than ever. A recent survey showed that 92% of the UK consider sustainability when making purchases. We're favouring products in recyclable packaging and trying to buy fewer new items.
This is where rechargeable batteries come in. They're growing in popularity to keep up with consumer demand. In an ideal world, they'll eventually phase out single-use batteries entirely.
The benefits of rechargeable batteries are clear:
- They're environmentally friendly, reducing our carbon footprint by keeping batteries out of landfills.
- They save you money in the long run, even if they cost a bit more upfront.
- They're convenient - no more running out of power at the worst possible moment!
Sustainability at Cladding Mate
At Cladding Mate, we're committed to becoming a more sustainable company. That starts with our product selection to help our customers work in a more environmentally friendly way.
We're proud to offer the Cordless Alliance System (CAS). This provides a seamless tool kit that uses interchangeable and rechargeable batteries. But what does that mean?
Products in the CAS line come from various electric power tool brands committed to using matching batteries. This clever system reduces the number of wires you need to lug around, as every tool in the CAS range uses the same power system.
Single-use batteries are completely unnecessary with the CAS system. So you're not just making your work easier, you're improving your company's sustainability and saving money. By reducing the toxic rubbish created, you can reach new customers who share the same values.
Ready to Make a Change?
We know how exhausting it can be juggling different batteries when you're high on a ladder or a roof. The CAS system eliminates that and makes getting the job done simpler and safer.
Want to learn more about how the Cordless Alliance System can help your team become more sustainable, efficient, and safe? Don't hesitate to get in touch with our team for expert advice and information. We're here to answer all your questions and help you make the switch to a more sustainable way of working.
Together, we can reduce the impact of batteries on our environment and create a cleaner, greener future for the UK.
