Crypto Altruists Episode 201 - Web3 Localism for Global Climate Action: From Decentralized Cleanups to Regenerative Local Economies
For episode 201, we’re excited to welcome Paul Burg, a visionary at the intersection of Web3 and regenerative impact. Paul is deeply involved in pioneering projects including DeCleanup Network, EcoSynthesisX, and Regen Bazaar—each uniquely leveraging blockchain technology to empower local action and build measurable environmental impact.
From incentivizing cleanups through tokenization to collaborating with NGOs and fostering vibrant regen communities—Paul's work embodies the power of Web3 localism, demonstrating how decentralized tech can drive tangible change at the grassroots level.
This episode is a fascinating dive into the transformative potential of blockchain to unite local actions into a powerful global movement for regeneration.
We discusss
How Web3 is building global infrastructure that empowers local environmental action—and why Web3 localism is the future of regenerative impact
How DeCleanup Network is gamifying real-world cleanups across the globe—from Japan and Nigeria to Thailand—and what they've learned scaling these initiatives across diverse communities.
And how EcoSynthesisX and Regen Bazaar are using blockchain to tokenize real-world impact, creating sustainable funding streams for local NGOs and communities.
Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruists podcast! 🙏
PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.
Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!
Key Takeaways
🌍 Local Action, Global Impact: How Blockchain Bridges the Gap - Climate change is a global problem—but the most effective action often starts locally. Paul shares how Web3 provides the tools to connect decentralized, grassroots initiatives into a transparent, scalable global network. By validating and rewarding local cleanups onchain, DeCleanup Network proves that blockchain can be a powerful force for collective climate action.
🤝 Meeting Nonprofits Where They Are: Focus on Impact, Not Jargon - Onboarding NGOs into Web3 isn't about throwing around blockchain buzzwords—it’s about delivering real value in ways they understand. Paul explains why it's crucial to simplify the experience, focus on solving real problems, and deeply understand the needs of grassroots organizations to successfully empower local communities.
💡 Tokenizing Public Goods: Making Climate Impact Measurable and Tradeable - From beach cleanups to ecosystem restoration, blockchain allows us to tokenize both tangible and intangible forms of positive action. Paul highlights why “tokenization is the way”—creating new economic incentives around public goods and making real-world impact visible, valuable, and liquid for a regenerative future.
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Episode Time Stamps
02:50 - Can you start by telling us a little about your journey into Web3 and impact? Was there a defining moment or realization that set you down this path?
04:10 - You’ve been involved with DeCleanup Network, EcoSynthesisX, and Regen Bazaar—can you give us a quick snapshot of what each project does and how they’re connected?
12:15 - Tell me more about your partnerships with nonprofit organizations and the successes you’ve had onboarding them to Web3.
16:45 - One theme I’d love to dive into is how Web3 can help build global architecture for local impact. How do you think about that as it pertains to your work?
22:25 - You’ve helped grow a vibrant Web3 regen community in Phangan. What makes the island such a hotspot for regenerative builders, and do you have any advice for others looking to build local regenerative communities?
28:45 - Let’s talk about incentive mechanisms – Why is blockchain a good foundation for building mechanisms that incentivize collective action?
38:30 - Tools like DeCleanup Network could be scaled to include other impact actions like planting trees, removing plastic from the ocean, and other positive climate actions. How do you see this tool growing from here?
44:10 - What’s your call to action for listeners? What do you want to leave them with from this conversation?
47:15 - Looking ahead, if everything goes right—what’s your dream future for the regenerative Web3 space?
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DISCLAIMER
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
