Being you, i think you'd be able to handle the new generation batteries by slipping in a resistor (made with paper and pencil). Anyone else throws those flashlights out still with the original batteries in, and often when they are still good.. Speaking of waste
I have a whole bag of resistors, so I could figure out a good resistance.
The other waste part is imagine that you want to but one of these novelty LR44 lights, but you decide you will use it later, so it just sits in a junk drawer, waiting to be used, then once you clean it out after a few years, the batteries leak and you promptly throw it away. That's more waste.