Think GAIA is Sanyo's new credo focusing on environmental friendly products and technology.

The next-generation nickel metal hydride battery 'eneloop' to be sold from November 14, 2005 is Sanyo's first GAIA product.

The eneloop battery is the world first rechargeable battery that can be used like a dry cell battery, because it comes pre-charged.
Rechargeable batteries usually suffer from self-discharge. Sanyo solved this issue and achieves with the eneloop a residual ratio after one year of non use of 85% in tests.
I hope these kinds of batteries are able to get rid of the disposable batteries at some point.
More details in this press-release.