Hi Brian,

Good subject. Here are a few thoughts to add to yours. One would suspect that
the use of rechargeables would go a long way in the consumer world. Extending
the life and thus reducing the waste.

Rechargeablels are common in high end equipment but much less so at the low
end. As you know there exist many innovative recharging systems including
inductive and solar and even wind-up types which could be incorporated or
provided separately.  Many folks use cigarette lighter adapters for charging
cell phones in their cars. The more passive and easy the method the better.

The initial cost is higher but over the long haul should be cheaper to the
customer while reducing waste. Once they are worn-out recycling becomes the
more important issue and still requires address.

Very best,
Joe