Teetering on the Electrical Grid Edge
On our homestead, we generate our own electricity. We do this because the original builders of the homestead set it up that way, because we’re far beyond municipal utilities, and because we like taking responsibility for our own power. Beyond that, there are many good reasons for either separating one’s family from the electrical grid, [...]
Oil Lamps – Articles Revisited
I have oil lamps, and I use them on occasion. For me, an oil lamp is a nice form of emergency lighting, and it makes for pleasant ambiance on occasions. For some of us, oil lamps are a regular part of our household. Let’s take a look at oil lamps today as we dip into [...]
Using Rechargeables – Final Thoughts
In recent posts I’ve been talking about using rechargeable batteries for the good of the environment and one’s budget. To conclude, I’d like to outline a few instances when rechargeables should not be used, and add a few observations that might be helpful. I’ve touched before on the topic of electronic products that specify a [...]
Using Rechargeables – Sources
As I mentioned in the previous post, all of our “flashlight” style batteries are either Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Because we are opportunistic shoppers, we’ve acquired batteries and chargers in a wide variety of makes and models. If you are starting your collection, you might learn from our experience. Capacity is a key [...]
Using Rechargeables – NiCD vs. NiMH
Rechargeable batteries make much more economic and ecological sense than alkaline batteries. We live in an age of concentrated research and development in rechargeable battery technology, thanks to consumer electronics and electric vehicles. These advancements are so volatile that I will not address them. Rather, in these posts on rechargeable batteries, I’ll focus on the [...]
Batteries Included – Using Rechargeables
Modern society depends on battery-operated devices, most of which are rechargeable. Amazingly, this reliance on rechargeables has not given many the courage to explore using rechargeable batteries in devices that take standard “flashlight” batteries. This is understandable, since the instructions included with almost any device clearly state that only alkaline batteries should be used “for [...]
Join the conversation...