It was a few years back when I learnt about the environmental issues that plagued Bitcoin. Mostly, increased carbon emissions from the energy consumption of the mining process. At the time with all the buzz around cryto currencies (we all seemed to become bored gamblers in COVID), it forced me into a tough spot…
Having always loved the environment with a deep relationship to both the land and sea, I’ve reached a point in my life where I can no longer ignore the devastating impacts climate change is having on our homes.
There are many environmental issues that plague the world and Bitcoin mining is only one small fraction of damaging practices such as mining rare earth metals and more recently AI data centres consuming the world’s clean water supply.
It can all feel pretty demoralising to see the little progress we’ve made on solving climate change as nature continues to demonstrate its power, leaving plenty of wreckage in its wake.
It was here a few years back that I had a realisation. That while I cannot personally reverse all of these challenges we’re facing, that I can take small steps to ensure I’m living my values and standing up for what I believe in.
At the time, I faced a financial dilemma- I could sell my crypo currency holdings and follow through or hold on and ignore this uneasy feeling in my gut.
In the end, I chose to sell everything.
A few days later by chance, I ran into a lovely Irish lady named Lauren outside the State Library. She worked for Environment Victoria and through our conversation I realised I could go one step further.
I began donating all the money from my cryto holdings into this Not For Profit organisation.
This was a declaration to myself that I’d rather go broke living my values than become rich having damaged the things I love.
This year I wanted to take it one step further and make sustainability and giving back a core part of the On Q mission.
Therefore we’re now committed to taking a portion of our profits and donating them back into Environment Victoria each year.
I wish I could be a little bit more specific on the numbers however I realised by giving a percentage, we would inadvertently be disclosing our overall earnings!
Instead I’d like to report our donations each year and ideally see these numbers increase as time goes on.
Since becoming apart of this community, I’ve seen the work Environment Victoria is doing as invaluable. Learning about some of the awful practices occurring around my home state have been shocking to say the least.
Therefore, my hope is going forward our donations and spreading awareness of these issues can help contribute to a better home for all of us.
I want to thank the people at Environment Victoria for the work they’ve been doing. No matter what your stance is on climate change- I hope that you also want the best for your home and the people living there with you.
You can learn more about Environment Victoria here.
