Batteries and plastic are not environmentally friendly. In fact they're high on the list of the opposite. But they are just about impossible to avoid. Plastic is everywhere and batteries are essential for the ever-increasing number of electronic items. Power banks, just batteries encased in plastic whose sole purpose is to charge the batteries in other items like smartphones, combine the two. Power banks can themselves be recharged of course but eventually the batteries will fade, as all batteries do. These days I always carry a power bank or two (depending on the length of the trip), mainly for recharging my smartphone but also for headlamp, satellite communicator, e-reader, or camera if needed.
Like all electricals power banks can be recycled and much of the material reused or, possibly, even repaired (see Recycle Your Electricals). However any replacement will be made from new plastic and new batteries with all the environmental problems producing these involve. Unless it's a Gomi Power Bank, that is. This power bank has a recycled plastic and aluminium shell with repurposed e-bike batteries inside. Not only that but it's designed to be repairable. It comes with a full 2 year warranty for free fixes and repairs and can be easily repaired with spare parts available at minimal costs outside of the warranty (the two halves of the case are held together by screws not glue).
Designed and handmade in Brighton the power bank comes in a range of swirly colours that are a refreshing change from the usual black slab look. The pattern also makes it easier to find in the pack. This marbled finish is created using hard-to-recycle plastics like bags, bubble wrap and food packaging and is unique to each power bank.
The Gomi Power Bank has a 10,000 mAh capacity, 2 charging ports, and a USB-C port for recharging. It's quite compact and weighs 244 grams on my digital scales (Gomi says 247 grams). I've been using one for the last six weeks, carrying it loose in a pack and in pockets, and it is a little scratched - but then so are my other power banks. There are lighter power banks but none that are anywhere near as sustainable. When my other power banks fail I'll recycle them and go on using the Gomi one. When necessary I'll repair it. When it's the only one I have left I'll get a second one for longer trips unless Gomi has launched a 20,000 or higher mAh one, which would be wonderful.
My Gomi Power Bank was supplied free of charge as a contender for an outdoor gear award I was judging. I have to admit that until it was suggested by one of the other judges I'd never heard of it before. As it's not specifically an outdoor product it didn't in the end win the award. It's definitely one of the most exciting and innovative products I've come across this year though and I'm very happy to recommend it.
About time they started making repairable products and allow us to get away from the "throw away mentality"
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