For those of you concerned about the environmental impact of being a geek, NewerTech’s popular line of replacement batteries (which we’ve reviewed) have taken a step to help minimize negative effects on the environment:

WOODSTOCK, IL (March 20, 2007) Newer Technology Inc. (NewerTech) announced on Earth Day, March 20, 2007, that its entire line of NewerTech Batteries for PowerBooks and iBooks, as well as its entire line of NuPower replacement batteries for iPods, is now RoHS compliant. The RoHS program (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) is a European Union standard, but not yet required in the United States. By holding to this higher standard of environmental responsibility, NewerTech continues in its commitment to a greener future.

As documented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), improper disposal of batteries creates environmental risks to groundwater supply and air quality. NewerTech’s battery return program assures proper final disposal of laptop batteries, reducing the amount of toxic elements currently leeching into land and groundwater.

“Shipping thousands of NuPower batteries a month requires good citizenship,” said NewerTech President Larry O’Connor. To this end, all NewerTech NuPower replacement batteries, which include the highest available capacity replacement batteries for all Apple iBook and PowerBook computers produced since 1998, are manufactured in a mercury-free process.

Designed, engineered, and manufactured in the U.S. utilizing the highest quality cells in the world and precision cell balancing, NewerTech laptop batteries use matched, balanced internal cells, which not only provide for maximum run time potential, but greatly extend the useful life span of the NewerTech battery as the cells work more evenly. “We build and design these batteries from the get go to run longer and last longer - which means less waste and a better value too,” added O’Connor.

NuPower MaxCapacity Lithium-ion batteries provide up to 62% more run-time capacity than original Apple factory-shipped notebook power units. NuPower iPod replacement batteries provide up to 114% more capacity than original shipped Apple factory batteries.

Other NewerTech practices to help the environment include:

* NewerTech Battery Recycling Program, which provides free return postage for laptop battery being replaced with a NewerTech NuPower replacement battery purchase. Returned batteries are sent to a certified materials reclamation center for proper disposal.

* Eliminating excess packaging materials by designing original NewerTech NuPower replacement battery shipping boxes to be reused for battery return

* Accepting additional used laptop batteries that customers ship, at their own cost, for appropriate reclamation and disposal.

* NewerTech’s line of Intelligent Battery Charger/Conditioners extends the useful life of batteries from NewerTech and Apple alike, thus reducing the number of batteries that are discarded before their time. “It’s not about how many batteries we can sell -it’s about selling the longest lasting battery available and offering additional means to get the most from all batteries,” said O’Connor. For information, visit http://www.newertech.com/products/laptop.php

* NewerTech also proactively hosts information on its website for local disposal options available to technology users. Information on the no-cost NewerTech recycling program as well as local disposal options can be found at http://www.newertech.com/recycle.

Regardless of where you buy your battery from, we encourage you to take care in disposing of your batteries. For more information on how to do so, Newer’s recycling page can be of use.

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