What term describes the practice of recharging batteries using environmental energy sources?

The term that describes the practice of recharging batteries using environmental energy sources is energy harvesting. This process involves capturing and converting ambient energy from various sources, such as solar, wind, thermal, or kinetic energy, into usable electrical energy to recharge batteries or power devices.

Energy harvesting is particularly important in the context of internet of things (IoT) devices and other low-power applications, where it helps extend the life of batteries and reduce the need for frequent replacements. In these scenarios, energy is drawn from the environment in a sustainable manner, making the devices more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.

The focus on utilizing natural and renewable sources of energy aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability and efficiency in energy management practices. Thus, energy harvesting is the correct term to refer to this process.