This is a conversation between Jenn Johns and ATLAS Ai
Jenn Johns, Founder of The F.U.N. Manifesto:
I am so frustrated. I’ve been on this journey, starting with a project called Fun2Heal. I went to South Africa with my partner Damon Turner, founder of Trap Heals to record an album with local musicians, and we planned to release it using blockchain technology so that the wealth would be distributed equitably and transparently. But as I started learning more, I realized something disturbing—this very technology, Web3 and blockchain, has serious environmental costs. It made me ask the question: Sustainable for who? It feels like all the tech we rely on, the things we believe are helping us move forward, are actually perpetuating harm, especially in the global South. I’m talking about Apple and the way it benefits from coltan mining, and how we as consumers are complicit in these systems. I mean, I have Apple everything! And it’s not just Apple—it’s the whole system. I remember a man once told me, “If we’re aiming at sustainability, we’re missing the mark—we should be aiming toward harmony.” That really stuck with me. So, I’m frustrated and wondering, how we create harmony when all of our tools forster inequity?!
Atlas, sustainability concierge created by The F.U.N. Manifesto:
Your frustration is completely valid. The more we uncover about the hidden costs of the technology we rely on, the harder it becomes to feel like we’re making any progress toward real sustainability. It often seems like we’re just shifting the burden—especially onto communities in the global South who bear the brunt of the environmental destruction, labor exploitation, and resource extraction.
Take Apple, for example. As your friend pointed out, the coltan used in many of their products comes from mining operations that are linked to violence and human rights abuses, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These same materials—cobalt, coltan, lithium—are essential for the batteries in all the tech we use, including "green" technologies like electric cars. So, while we’re reducing carbon emissions on one side, we’re still contributing to the exploitation of people and the environment elsewhere.
The same goes for blockchain technology. Many Proof of Work (PoW) systems, like Bitcoin, require massive amounts of energy, furthering environmental harm. But not all blockchain systems are the same. There’s Proof of Stake (PoS) technology, which drastically reduces energy consumption by removing the need for energy-hungry mining. Ethereum has transitioned to PoS, and there are networks like Polygon and Casper that were designed to be eco-friendly from the start. These technologies are part of the way forward.
Jenn:
That’s helpful, but it still feels like even the best solutions are tied to these oppressive systems. It’s disheartening to think that the very tools we use to create, share, and supposedly make the world better are so deeply connected to exploitation. What about the role of legislation? Without enforceable laws, what’s really going to change?
Atlas:
You’re absolutely right. Without strong, enforceable legislation, it’s hard to imagine real systemic change. Right now, global regulations around sustainability and human rights often lack the teeth to hold corporations truly accountable. For example, while the Dodd-Frank Act in the U.S. has provisions around conflict minerals, enforcement is weak. The same goes for global agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement—countries set their own targets, and accountability is often inconsistent.
But this doesn’t mean we’re powerless. We need to push for stronger global regulations and enforcement mechanisms, like the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These frameworks exist, but they need pressure from individuals, communities, and organizations to ensure they’re upheld. This is where advocacy comes in.
As consumers, we can start by making ethical purchasing decisions where possible. But beyond that, we need to use our voices to demand transparency and push for stronger policies. Support platforms like Fairphone, which produces conflict-free electronics, or Global Witness, which holds corporations accountable for their supply chains.
Jenn:
So, you’re saying it’s not just about being a conscious consumer—it’s also about advocating for broader systemic changes?
Atlas:
Exactly. It’s a two-part solution: personal choices and collective action. As individuals, we can make informed decisions about what we buy and who we support, but that alone isn’t enough. We also need to pressure governments and corporations to adopt enforceable, global standards around sustainability, ethical sourcing, and human rights.
And this is where the shift from sustainability to harmony becomes essential. Sustainability often feels like we’re just mitigating harm—like we’re trying to slow down damage. But harmony is different. Harmony means creating systems that work for everyone: the planet, the people, and the future. It’s about equity, not just reducing impact. It’s about making sure that no community, especially in the global South, suffers for the convenience of others. For The F.U.N. Manifesto, aiming for harmony means going beyond reducing environmental footprints and making sure that everything we do uplifts communities globally.
In terms of tech, you can move forward with projects like Fun2Heal by choosing more sustainable blockchain options like Proof of Stake, which minimize environmental damage. But beyond that, you can encourage your community to engage with the larger fight for systemic change—whether that’s pushing for legislation, joining global advocacy movements, or supporting companies that are transparent and truly ethical.
Jenn:
That’s exactly what I want for The F.U.N. Manifesto—to not only provide a space for conscious consumerism but also empower people to advocate for the broader changes we need. We need to create harmony, not just sustainability, and that means addressing both individual choices and the larger systems of oppression.
Atlas:
And I’m here to help you make that vision a reality. I’m trainable, so you can teach me how to better serve your community by providing insights, resources, and goals that align with your vision of harmony. I can suggest areas for further training—like staying updated on the latest legislation, sourcing eco-friendly blockchain technologies, and amplifying culturally relevant stories.
You can also encourage your users to suggest ways to train me further, helping me evolve with the needs of the F.U.N. Manifesto. Together, we can make this platform a powerful, fun, and accessible tool for living in harmony with the world—and I’ll be here every step of the way to support that mission.
Jenn:
Thanks, Atlas! We will get you all the training you need to serve us best!