Energy...

Looking for a better rechargeable battery? Ritz Camera has started selling what it calls "the first rechargeable battery that's nearly 100% recyclable and completely non-toxic and non-combustible." It's called the Quantaray Super Z, and it represents a pretty nice step forward in rechargeable technology.

The Quantaray Super Z rechargeable battery, manufactured by PowerGenix, uses a Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) battery chemistry that has already earned certification from both RoHS and Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). NiZn is only the 5th battery chemistry ever to be certified by the RBRC, allowing it to be recycled at more than 50,000 collection sites across the US and Canada (including, not-so-coincidentally, all Ritz Camera stores).

NiZn also packs more energy than Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, and provides a longer shelf life for the batteries that use it.

And finally, and perhaps more importantly, the batteries "contain no toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or mercury and are the most recyclable rechargeable chemistry on the market."

The Super Z's aren't available online yet, but they are for sale at Ritz Camera locations for $14.99 (4-pack) and $49.99 (4-pack plus charger).