Manufacturers/corporations are concerned about revenue, and the appearance they aren't harming the earth or the consumers they sell to. Beyond that they will not consider, unless forced to.
Asking people to check batteries or buy products that preserve the earth will fail unless it's forced from the top down. The EU seems to be doing this. China, too, to some extent. The U.S. is moving backwards in many regards. Everywhere else doesn't have political sway/organization.
You even admit it in your article. You won't change your habits unless the change is the only option.