BATTERIES, BATTERIES, BATTERIES!
Power, Chaos, and the Electrified Life We Lead
From laptops to landlines, batteries are the unsung heroes of modern life. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how battery-powered living shapes our routines, our frustrations, and our environmental footprint.
Just about everything runs on batteries or can run on batteries. Of course, my cell phone runs on a battery, which I have heard can catch fire and terrify you. My computer runs on batteries, and my computer guy tells me not to keep my computer plugged in. Apparently, if I keep my computer plugged in all the time I am working, my batteries can start to grow and swell. Who knew!!?? So now, while working all day, I am conscious of unplugging the thing until the little battery icon gets really skinny! Of course, I failed to tell the computer guru that I had this laptop for at least 6 years and had kept it plugged in all the time, and my batteries had not gotten pregnant. But, what do I know?
I saw an ad on the television for this cool-looking battery box. It looks to be the size of a placemat and has many compartments of different sizes for the various sizes of batteries that one must keep around the house. We have a wire bin filled with plastic bags to organize the different sizes. But I must admit that I envied that plastic box. Just think of it! I could carry all of my batteries around the house and replace everything. Maybe I should put things on a replacement schedule and go for it.
Batteries power everything. Batteries power the new security door knob that we have. Of course, the landline handsets are full of batteries. I know, I know, we should have gotten rid of the landline long ago. Given our age, the only callers are scammers with weird accents. How in the world does anyone get fooled by these people? You can barely understand what they are saying. We have a weather station that runs on batteries. Automatic shades. Remotes for the TV.
I can easily imagine a landfill full of old batteries. If I counted the batteries in this place, I would be shocked. What happens to old batteries anyway? I know some of them say they can be recycled. I think that means they get smashed to bits, and the valuable metals in them get sorted out. The rest end up in the landfill. I can imagine numerous “battery hills.”
Oh, and the car! You guessed it. The car battery died this morning. Usually, our Saturdays are laid back, and we tend to go nowhere. This Saturday we had plans and places we were expecting to go, starting around 9 am. Had to dump them all. Fortunately, the AAA guy arrived within about 45 minutes, although the wait time was advertised as up to 4 or 5 hours. Several hundreds of dollars later, we will be good to go.
We are all charged up and can expect a good 3 years before the thing gives out again. I guess that is a pretty long life for a car battery.
Want to explore how battery recycling impacts the environment and supports sustainability? Visit Electronics360’s guide to second-life battery applications, Stanford’s research on battery recycling and emissions, and Greenly’s breakdown of battery carbon footprints.
If you’re reflecting on sustainability, frustration, or the electrified pace of life, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and environmental awareness.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
