Living sustainably is all about intent and action. Given that so much of what we do to exist on this planet needs money, intentionality with finances inevitably makes up part of sustainability. This is not something that’s going to change, so long as we live in a society run by capital and its interests.
For regular people, sustainable living is probably a lot less about living in a remote, self-contained homestead and more about one’s consumption habits. These habits can include supporting ethical businesses, cutting back on unnecessary purchases, and steering clear of industries that are clearly environmentally or socially damaging.
As these more conscientious lifestyles gain support, interest in cryptocurrency is likewise growing. But can you truly live sustainably and still invest in crypto? While critics often associate cryptocurrency with high energy consumption, the reality is more complex. The crypto world is fast-evolving, and the people who participate in it are also finding new ways to make sustainability and crypto coexist.
If that sounds interesting to you, or if you’ve pursued crypto with the question of being able to live sustainably, these ten insights may help you make more intentional choices about it:
1) Not All Cryptocurrencies Use the Same Amount of Energy
If you’re worried about energy use, it’s good to know that not all crypto runs the same way. Coins like Monero (XMR) use more energy-efficient protocols than the famously energy-hungry Bitcoin (BTC), while others like Cardano (ADA) and Solana (SOL) operate on proof-of-stake (PoS) models that drastically reduce consumption. Choosing projects based on their specific consensus mechanisms and energy policies can make it possible to invest in crypto in ways that align with your own ethical framework.
2) Privacy Coins Align with Data Sovereignty Goals
People who care about sustainability are, quite often, also concerned about related issues like privacy and digital rights. In this regard, privacy coins like Monero are more than just a cash alternative or an investment, giving users a way to push back against surveillance capitalism.
Every transaction on the Monero blockchain is encrypted and unlinkable and, when you use a good XMR wallet, your financial activity stays your business and no one else’s. This form of self-custody can be your way of supporting both digital and real-world sustainability.
3) Sustainability Is About More Than Carbon Footprint
When people say crypto isn’t sustainable, they’re almost certainly referring to the energy use of proof-of-work (PoW) systems like those of Bitcoin. This is something that can be partly-solved by a shift to green energy, but even such a shift can miss the big picture.
Sustainable living isn’t just about emissions but about social equity, privacy, and long-term resilience. From this broader lens, the decentralization and financial inclusion created by crypto can actually support sustainability goals, especially in underbanked or politically unstable regions.
4) Green Energy Is Powering More of the Crypto Industry
Going back to green energy, many crypto miners and blockchain projects are turning to renewables as a direct response to the criticisms of the PoW systems employed by some of the biggest coins. If you’re doing your research, you can support projects that are actively working toward greener practices.
5) Blockchain Can Support Ethical Supply Chains
Blockchain projects are already increasing accountability in global supply chains by verifying the ethical sourcing of raw materials and even ensuring workers are paid fairly. Investing in these projects gives you a role in promoting business transparency, an important pillar of sustainability that’s often overlooked in traditional finance.
6) Crypto Can Support Grassroots Sustainability Efforts
Crypto allows people to support whichever environmental or humanitarian causes they believe in directly, with fewer intermediaries to block or slow down the process. Privacy coins like Monero also offer a welcome layer of safety for donors and recipients operating in sensitive regions.
7) You Don’t Need to Go All-In to Participate
At the end of the day, sustainable investing doesn’t require you to choose an extreme way of life. After all, typical individual impacts on the environment are dwarfed by those of major corporations. While your individual contribution to sustainability does matter, taking the impacts of your crypto investment in context is a good starting point for finding a good balance.
This balance can depend on your priorities. For example, you can invest in crypto with a modest, well-thought-out portion of your portfolio while still supporting eco-conscious companies through other means. You can also look into crypto options that use green energy or use proofs that do not require energy-intensive mining. Ultimately, there is no need to adopt an uncomfortable lifestyle just to meet impossible sustainability goals.
Rethink What It Means to Invest Consciously
Given today’s selection of projects, sustainable living no longer means opting out of crypto altogether. In fact, cryptocurrencies can be another channel through which you express your values and support better ways of doing business. Whatever your motives, a thoughtful approach to crypto can and must live comfortably alongside everyday sustainability.
