An update on crypto donations

In 2019 we wrote the original version of this guide, based on our experience with Bitcoin and Ethereum and the Coinbase Commerce merchant tools.

Since then there has been a lot of research published about the sustainability and environmental impacts of Proof Of Work cryptocurrencies, which include Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Simply put: the amount of power required, and the amount of electronic waste produced, is unsustainable.

Screenshot from https://digiconomist.net/bitcoin-energy-consumption , 20/07/2022

Because of that, we have taken down the old version and are rewriting this guide, to emphasise the use of newer Proof Of Stake cryptocurrencies. These are much more energy efficient. 

It’s hard to comprehend the size of the difference. 

Making a transaction on a typical Proof Of Stake blockchain might use a similar amount of power as sending an email, or posting on Twitter.

Making the same transaction on Bitcoin or Ethereum dwarfs that. Research has indicated that it takes more than a million times more power for an equivalent transaction. 

Crypto can be used for good, but not at the expense of the environment and society.

Let’s do this in a clean, responsible way!

Here is our new guide to accepting crypto donations, updated for 2022.