Eco-Friendly Paleblue Batteries Provide Power Without Hurting the Planet

When it comes to protecting the environment, batteries are likely the last product you think of. But with over 8,000 tonnes of single-use batteries ending up in Australian landfills every year, and lots of adventure gear being battery-powered, it’s about time we discuss these mini powerhouses.

Remember how MP3 players replaced Discmans seemingly overnight? How the iPod shuffle was superseded in what felt like two minutes? Now there’s another mainstream product headed for a major extinction event, only this time, I’ll be glad to see it go. I’m talking about single-use batteries.  

According to CleanAway, 80% of the batteries used by Australians are single-use batteries. Even though most are recyclable, every year 8,000 tonnes are dumped in landfills. We’re buying and binning them far faster than they can break down. 

Thankfully, a company called Paleblue has made a product to stop this cycle in its tracks.

Who is Paleblue?

Paleblue is a ripper Earth-loving company based out of Utah in the US. They named themselves after the tiny pale blue pixel in the 1990 photo the Voyager 1 Space Probe took of our planet from 3.7 billion miles away. 

The pale blue pixel reminded them how finite our resources are on Earth, and represents pretty powerfully why their mission to rid the world of harmful single-use batteries is so important. It’s one of the best business name origin stories I’ve ever heard and a reminder that’s now wedged firmly into my brain.

Why are single-use batteries bad?

Most of the batteries you used in the house as a kid were single-use. Heck, according to the stats, most of your household batteries are probably still single-use. Think AA, AAA, or those big round whoppers (D’s) that every household seems to have but never actually uses. I dunno, maybe those are for Secret Dad’s Business. Whatever. Picture them. 

I didn’t think I had any single-use batteries but a ten minute search was all it took to prove myself wrong

They’re made using materials including mercury, carbon zinc, lead, cadmium, lithium, and manganese. Not only do these often corrode in your device or drawer (that’s what the crusty white crap that covers the ends is), but when they’re not disposed of properly the toxic chemicals can leach into the soil. Not great.

While they’re convenient, they don’t last long and need to be disposed of when used up. Most of them are recyclable so that we can recover elements like silver, mercury, and zinc, but apparently, most of us aren’t great at recycling so a lot still end up in landfills.

The 22nd of April is Earth Day – our annual reminder to make good choices for the planet – but we should behave sustainably every day, not just once a year. Making the conscious effort to stop using single-use batteries is one easy way to make a positive difference – especially since rechargeables have existed for years.

How are Paleblue Batteries different?

Paleblue has not only replaced single-use batteries with rechargeable lithium-ion ones (pretty old technology now, my Dad loves his seven wall chargers and battery collection), but they’ve taken the charger off the wall and built it into the battery. They’re packaged in a lightweight plastic case, perfect for staying damage-free in transit and stopping them from getting lost in junk drawers. The whole setup fits in your pocket. 

The case is robust, well thought out, and provides both transit protection and ongoing storage

The batteries make it possible to hold onto your old devices, keep your TV remote alert, and power (up to 1000 times!)  the neverending influx of kids’ toys with the minimum amount of equipment. They’re supplied with a USB to USB-C cable that plugs directly into up to four batteries on one end, and a wall outlet or existing USB charger or device of your choice.

The cord feels robust but I do question the longevity of the joins, as charging all four batteries at once encourages significant twisting

But I’ve already switched to products with lithium iron rechargeables built in

That’s awesome! Go you good thing for moving away from single-use batteries. Ultimately though, there are still a huge number of products in our world that use individual batteries. How do you change channels on your TV? 

Paleblue Batteries can breathe life into products that have long lost charge, preventing those objects from eventually being added to landfill when there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them (and you decide to do a spring clean!). I’m talking about that head torch from school camp. That radio you used to use on family trips. 

A few battery powered devices Paleblue batteries have helped me bring back to life

The only thing more wasteful than throwing away a single-use battery is throwing away products that still have plenty of life in them just because they use batteries. Especially when an earth-friendly solution exists. 

With Paleblue you can power up your head torch without the guilt of using a single-use battery. In some cases this is more useful than a modern lithium-ion head torch, as often they can’t be used while they’re recharging. With Paleblue batteries you can swap and go.

Are Paleblue Batteries expensive?

Starting at $49.95 for packs of four AA, AAA, C, D, or 9V batteries, Paleblue batteries are very affordable. Each battery has a guaranteed 1000 charge cycles each, saving you from 1000 purchases of a single-use battery. According to Paleblue, the cost per charge on these is $0.07, whereas a disposable Alkaline battery sets you back a whole dollar. Make the switch and you’ll save a fortune (especially if you grab one of their bundle deals!).

While there’s the argument that battery charge capacity is reduced to make space for the inbuilt charge port, it’s a negligible loss. On the balance, you’ll get a lot more juice out of a four-pack of these than four single-use soil destroyers.

We all like to think we’d pay more to help the world, but nine times out of ten we’ll take the cheaper option, even if it’s crap for the environment, so I’m really happy to see that these are affordable.

It’s pretty unlikely I’ll need to change the battery in my TV remote more than 1000 times in my lifetime. But I was surprised to discover just how many battery-powered devices I own. A packet of these feels like a no-brainer.

Single-use batteries be gone! My filthy remotes have officially been upgraded to Paleblue

Do they work?

Both the AA and AAAs I got my hot little hands on powered my devices like a charm. And they didn’t get crazy hot when they recharged either – which was reassuring. 

The AAAs charged in just under an hour, and the AAs in just over an hour, which was easy to see thanks to the built-in charging indicators. And up to 10x faster than conventional rechargeable batteries. That’s nothing to sniff at. 

Charge these at night and they’ll light up your living room like a disco ball. Unexpected bonus

I popped some AA batteries into an old lantern I rescued from the garage two weeks ago and have been using it daily for an hour or so. It’s still going strong. The provided battery case is plastic, which I don’t love, but it’s solid, light, and easy to take both hiking and travelling. Best of all it keeps the USB cord in a memorable place (for anyone else who loses everything, this is a godsend). 

I’m pretty rapt with the convenience of these Paleblue batteries. There’s one in my old head torch now. An old camping lantern is enjoying an exciting comeback. Dad’s called dibs on the AAAs. 

We’re nowhere near 1000 recharges yet, but we’ll keep tabs and update this review if anything untoward (or amazing) crops up. So far, so good. 

Final Thoughts on Paleblue Batteries

Paleblue started with a mission to rid the world of single-use batteries but they’re doing so much more than that – they’re breathing life into the products we’ve forgotten. I got a surprising amount of joy from digging out the lantern that illuminated the inside of my tent in year eight.

Lithium rechargeable batteries have been around for ages, but the reality is that we don’t like carting around giant wall chargers, they’re useless on extended camping trips, and they’re pretty expensive. Not to mention they’re incredibly easy to lose and you’re never quite sure how much charge is left.

Paleblue rechargeable batteries have done what previous wall-charging rechargeables have failed to do – they’ve made being green convenient.

Want some? Paleblue are generously offering a whopper 20% discount on all batteries for We Are Explorers readers. Just use this code ‘WEAREEXPLORERS20’ during checkout.

Doing a little bit of good for the planet really is this simple

FAQs Paleblue Batteries

Where can I dispose of single-use batteries?

The easiest way to get rid of your single-use batteries and know that they’re being disposed of correctly is by heading to your nearest Bunnings Warehouse and making use of their free battery recycling bins located at the front of each store.

Do Paleblue lithium-ion rechargeable batteries charge faster than rechargeable Ni-Mh batteries?

On average, Ni-Mh batteries take nine hours to fully recharge whereas the Paleblue lithium-ion batteries are fully charged within 90 minutes.

What’s the capacity of a Paleblue AA battery?

The Paleblue AA battery has a capacity of 1700 mAh.

The writer was sent a few sets of AA and AAA Paleblue batteries for the purpose of writing this Tech Talk piece. While they were allowed keep the batteries afterward, the piece is not sponsored and the writer’s thoughts are their own.