We waste a lot of batteries. But, there are some small ways through which we can cumulatively make a positive change. It can be as simple as switching one habit in our household as often as possible. With the present evils of global climate change, oil and gas dependency, plastic waste issues, the water and sanitation crises, and more it is good when we are handed simple solutions to immediate problems.
 
Our Energy sources are being tapped. Enter companies that are making a difference:
 
Solio is the leading developer of hand-held solar chargers. Their newest device, the CLIP-MINI, is a simple and efficient rechargeable lighting product. With the CLIP-MINI, outdoor travelers have an easy and non-toxic power supply.  The CLIP-MINI utilizes the clean energy of the sun, or optionally the wall, charging via solar power or alternatively by plugging into the wall via the included USB charging cable. It eliminates the use and waste of single-use batteries. And, it costs nothing to operate via solar power. The market price is $35.
 
The ClIP-MINI also has incredible power storage. With an internal Lithium-Polymer battery that stores charge for up to ONE year, and a high efficiency solar panel to charge off the sun, the piece is reliable for most charging applications. All SOLIO products are compatible with a wide range of devices from GPS units to MP3 players to smart-phones and cameras. If a device is USB compatible then it can most likely be powered via a SOLIO product.
 
The CLIP-MINI offers five lighting modes, each varying in intensity of brightness and illumination and providing multiple lighting options to fit many needs. Illumination modes include 100% strength, 50% strength, 10% strength, Flashing, and SOS. With a fully charged battery, the Clip-Mini provides 5 hours 30 minutes of Light in 100% mode, 11 hours of Light in 50% mode, and 50 hours of Light in 10% mode.
 
There is a diffuser mode that alters the lighting color, a bike-safety mode, and an integrated carabiner that easily clips to objects for the solar charge process. Weighing only 3.6 ounces and encased in a durable shell, the CLIP-MINI withstands daily use while offering energy sustainability. SOLIO products are available for purchase through specialty retailers like REI, Sprint, RadioShack and more.
 
SOLIO also walks its talk. An Oakland, CA-based ten-year-old company, SOLIO provides rural communities in Kenya with home solar lease options, providing access to affordable clean energy and lighting systems. And, through its support and partnership of KIVA, an entity that provides microfinance loans and assistance to solar energy entrepreneurs, Solio helps individuals start green energy businesses of their own. www.kiva.org/green
 
So, buy beer and not batteries. Everyone will happier in the long and the short run.