Batteries

Some advice on sensible battery choices:
http://campus.umr.edu/ehs/Hazardous_Waste_Mgmt/Waste_Minimization_Program/wmbattry.html

In some parts of the world, all batteries are banned from household garbage (including rechargables):
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/HHW/Info/

There is an ever expanding range of alternatives. Solar chargers from AA to 12 volt stand-alone panels.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?FORM=KEYWORD

To the (hopefully near) future. I eagerly await the release of these batteries. I want to see one in my hand to believe it and you must check out this website (laptop for 24 hours, mobile for a month, barely no environmental footprint?) …

http://www.csiro.au/science/ps4p.html

Imagine not changing the battery on your hacked masterpiece for 2 weeks!

To the future yankee doodle dandy style:
http://www.millenniumcell.com/fw/main/default.asp

End of unofficial rant

* Endnote: There are many options (I discover more all the time!) for those wanting to go further with alternatives to disposable batteries beyond their forum project. Google 'Freeloader' (charger) and 'Freeplay' (radio) for examples.