My last post got me thinking about batteries, so I decided to continue the thought through this blog. Recently, Uniross conducted a study on the environmental impacts of disposable (alkaline) batteries compared to their rechargeable counterparts. It was the first study of its kind to be conducted, and although the results are fairly predictable (rechargeable batteries are more earth-friendly than their alkaline counterparts), the reasons why might surprise you.

The majority of the environmental impact of battery production and consumption doesn’t come from the harmful substances that are encased in alkaline batteries. Instead, the biggest problem is the manufacturing process and transportation of them. Because rechargeable batteries can be reused up to 1,000 times, when you recharge them you are saving the manufacturing and transportation processes.

Moreover, by switching to rechargeable batteries you’re saving a ton of packaging. The annoying cardboard backing and plastic front that batteries come encased in almost always gets tossed into a landfill instead of being recycled. Still, there are even more reasons to go rechargeable:

• Rechargeable batteries consume up to 23 times less non-renewable natural resources
• Rechargeable batteries have up to 12 times less the potential toxic risks to wildlife and sea creatures
• Rechargeable batteries have up to 30 times less impact on the fragile ozone layer
• Rechargeable batteries have around 26 times less the environmental impact that their alkaline counterparts do, overall.
• Over time, they’re way more affordable. Rechargeable batteries are one of the ways that you can go green while saving some green.