I received a Citizen Eco-Drive watch for Christmas. The technology of this watch involves alternative energy. It converts either natural or artificial light into energy. As the manual states, the "energy is harnessed [and then] stored in a special power reserve" to keep the watch running. It does not need a battery so long as the solar cell in the watch has sufficient light to charge it. The watch is powered, even in the dark, for at least six months after it is fully charged by the light.

After reading the manual, I pondered, once again, why other electronic devices do not simply charge on light. Why are we stuck buying, using and discarding batteries, which often contain toxic chemicals, when we could use this technology? I would love to simply direct my cell phone or other electronics towards the light when the charge gets low, as opposed to having to use electricity to re-charge the device or have to install a new battery altogether. I really hope that this technology can be a real breakthrough for the electronics industry.