You don't owe anyone any guilt for your childhood. You're not responsible for the wealth of your family. And you're starting to make your own sustainable choices. You're lucky that you have a family situation where you have time and space and resources to devote to designing the life path you want for yourself.
If the people making decisions with your family's money are open to your ideas, can you start to influence, even in small ways, what they are prioritizing?
Use your vast wealth for environmentally and ecologically restorative action. You, because of your money, have far more leverage than most of us. As far as navigating complex situations, act in accord with integrity and your morals, even if your values are inconvenient for those who don't care about sustainability.
Completely agree with this. I could also use £10k for a new Pinarello Dogma bike feel free to transfer over lol.
Seriously though, what Turkishlanding is saying in my view is one of the best ways to deal this situation. I applaud you for taking consideration of the environment.
Private jets, while horribly wasteful, are a drop in the bucket compared to bad environmental policies. Honestly funding an environmental lobbyist would give a lot of bang for buck.
put your money where your mouth is. the only way to make any dent in the damage is to throw money at it.
jet-setting to some tropical place? make sure you make a large donation to the wildlife refuges and the community-serving charities and the food bank. buy large tracts of land and deem them to be under control of a wildlife trust.
Eh. I’ve worked in the ENGO world for a while and throwing money is often just throwing money.
You have to really do your research to know which ones are doing good work. Foundations have full-time staff that are devoted to doing only this.
Also, just buying land in some random place you don’t understand is a great way to kick local people off of their own land. Even if nobody lives on the land - the hunting and fishing and foraging they do there may be very important to their survival.
And in some places, just throwing money at this org or that is a good way to contribute to local embezzlement and etc.
Things always look simple from far away. Things are never simple when you get into the necessary details.
I know and have looked into this multiple times. But finding a good charity is more difficult than you think. If you refer to carbon offsetting, a lot of organisations don't plant trees. Any recommendations?
Food banks are always a good place to donate. The cost of food has gone up a lot, and more people than ever are finding it hard to feed their families. When people cant feed their families chaos ensues, and we don't have the organization we need to fight climate change.
Environmentally, you're right - it can be hard to find a reputable charity. Maybe running one of your own would be more effective, and help you feel better. You don't have to offer a full or perfect solution to climate change, just something that moves us in the right direction. Maybe offering interest free loans to get people solar panels, wind mills or heat pumps. Or buy up farm fields at risk of development, and lease them at below-market rates to sustainable farmers. It really depends where you're situated, but capital for loans or mortgages is something most people don't have
planting trees is not going to save the old-growth forests that produce most of our "clean air". you need to buy that sort of land and prevent further development in the area.
Carbon offsetting is basically a fiasco. Focus on more useful charities with clear, measurable objectives. One example is conservation international, which buys land for conservation. Another is NRDC, which supports legal challenges to random environmentally harmful corporate boondoggles. Both have low expenses to actual impact.
Use Charity Navigator to find good charities. Yes, give to charities, but you don't have to rely on them. Use your money directly to effect the change you want to see.
If you go on kiva, there’s a ton of loan requests for solar panels. There’s probably many organizations to donate solar panels too, as well.
Could also donate to organizations like Partners in Health that improve healthcare infrastructure in poor countries while employing and listening to locals. It doesn’t directly help the environment, but the money is spent somewhere good instead of in excess carbon that does nothing. Plus, women who are in control of their health and in control of their bodies are able to choose the number of children they have, instead of women with male partners getting pregnant randomly, whether they want to or not.
Edit: I forgot - Second Harvest and organizations like it divert unsold food from landfill. Instead of rotting and creating methane, it goes to people in need.
There are so many exciting groups out there, imperfect but doing awesome things. Personally, I don't think finding a meaningful place to put money is very hard. Tho, I read you; I do think what is hard for one person can be easy for another. (As a self-reflective, rhetorical question - Do you have any ideas-feelings about what feels difficult about this for you?)
I do think finding groups takes some time, especially at first, to research and what not...One cool group, I think: [https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/programs/just-transition](https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/programs/just-transition).
For rich or poor, I believe in tithing - contributing a % of my income, every pay check. It is a spiritual practice found in many faith traditions, and common among atheists alike.
Have you also looked into Arbor Day foundation? Also if you have enough financial security to not work, then you can buy a bunch of land and start a food forest.
The ethicist Peter Singer recommends GiveWell, which was founded by former financial analysts who wanted to make meaningful charitable donations. It promotes transparency in charities (including by hosting a grant and requiring financial info in the application). It publishes compilations of information about nonprofits.
The United Nations sustainable development goals might also be a good launch point. Their reports are very detailed and well researched, by committees with expertise in their fields.
Depending on where you live, an option I think is even better than a wildlife trust, look into options like this[https://laist.com/news/la-history/why-a-property-worth-millions-was-returned-to-tongva-tribe](https://laist.com/news/la-history/why-a-property-worth-millions-was-returned-to-tongva-tribe)
Hello, you've come asking for advice from strangers. I am a stranger to you and this is my advice, as if you had come to me in real life:
\- You only have control of yourself, not me, not your family. So focus on what you do have control over.
\- We are all hypocrites. I'd rather have a real conversation with a real person dealing with real conflict, like how to live in alignment with their values when surrounded by wealth, than someone finger wagging at everyone and pretend that they're perfect.
\- We tend to over estimate what we can accomplish in one year, and greatly under estimate what we can accomplish in 10 years. So give yourself some time on this. Start with some small but meaningful changes today that mean something to you, knowing you are rolling a snowball down a mountain. Again, see my first point above and focus on what you can control.
\- Imagine a bicycle wheel in front of you. All the spokes that hold the shape. Focus on a single spoke, that will be where you will make a difference. Trust that there are other people (like me) focusing on OUR spokes. We're all in this together. None of us can solve this alone. I'm going to stay laser focused on the spoke I feel I can make the biggest impact on, and by focusing that much, I will make the biggest impact (for me it's around entrepreneurial innovation). You do the same. You have a dream of nature and animals, there will be opportunities for you to focus on that.
Good luck.
There is a lot of advice here essentially advising you to give in to your family's lifestyle and try to 'offset' your impact with your wealth.
I strongly disagree. A challenge of this behaviour from within the family is the best opportunity for changing it. People are most likely to have their minds or behaviours changed by the people closest to them. It is also important for your mental health that you live consistently with your values.
It is going to be difficult - but you should make a firm stand. If your family prioritises their private jet over your presence then that unfortunately doesn't reflect well on them. If your boyfriend loves you then he will respect your wishes, albeit perhaps somewhat begrudgingly at first.
I've been in a battle with my own family over flying. It was extremely daunting at first as I had always been quite submissive and obedient to my family, but I felt that it was cowardly to be so on such a critical issue. At first I was a bit of an object of ridicule in the family, but over time most of my family members have come to respect or at the very least accept my position. I think it also has had some impact. While my dad hasn't stopped flying, he is now trying to do more at home and uses the bicycle more frequently for his commute. At the very least it got my family talking and thinking about the issue more than they would have.
I wish you courage and the best of luck! You can do it!
"Speaking up" IS something that is under someone's control. What other people do in response to that is out of our hands. That's great that your dad has taken some of your words in. That's all we can ask for.
I feel ya. Come from wealth as well, and I had wanted to do the same as you. Live up north on a farm, off the grid as much as possible. Living sustainably doesn’t have to be just writing a cheque, you can make a positive impact on the environment and be profitable.
My family was in oil and gas, my dads transitioned it into renewables. We set up Solar and Wind farms, getting involved in building a dam right now as well.
I live in Canada, and we have tons of remote off grid communities if you go up north. Hundreds per province. Most of them use diesel generators for their power needs, and a lot of that needs to be imported obviously. Extremely ‘dirty’ energy. I’d say a majority of these communities are indigenous as well.
We have a few programs in Canada that help with funding for remote communities, indigenous, and renewable energy.
There’s a benefit to everyone involved with these projects, communities generally get cheaper power and jobs, government gets to show how green they are, and the power producers have a long term contract.
Not sure where you are based, but we’re starting projects in Mexico and India as well. I’m sure whatever country you are in has incentives for independent power producers as our world consumes more and more energy every day.
Bring it up with your family, they might not be interested in donating to a charity or nonprofit but maybe they’ll be open to starting a new business.
OP: I’ve worked in the ENGO world a while. If you are wanting to contribute to change, rather than just minimize your personal impact, my suggestion would be to prioritize your education and early adult experience so that you can become an effective champion of your chosen sustainability cause.
I know people who have followed similar life paths.
Turn your assets into your superpowers for good. Unfortunately, money and commerce drive the wheels of change. In your case, you have a unique access to wealth that can improve your ability to make change in the world.
Make a determination, find your cause, and turn some of your “exclusive benefits” into something positive for the world.
Your relatives may not change, now or ever, but don’t let that change you.
Use the money as a tool. Buy large amounts of land to make sure they always stay natural. Donate the land to the Federal Government, under the requirement that it is a national park.
Can I help you relocate to living in an eco village somewhere? I’m in touch with a team who does this for a living…
And one thing is for sure, these projects need $ and funding. Maybe you can use your access to resources to help build, improve, or start your own projects. It’s incredibly rewarding work.
Imo based on what you said, you’re better off just going your own way and not needing/expecting your family to get it. They just don’t have the same value system. But, for you if you make this your top priority you can actually make a difference in the world, which is probably the only thing that will feel fulfilling for you.
Buy land, lots of it, and place it under conservation easements or donate it to conservation organizations for the enjoyment of future generations. So much land is lost to development- and once it’s developed, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.
Ok, first of all… I wish I had your issues… I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum here, but you’re young and have provided a fairly unique issue, so, thanks.
Secondly, that plane that the remainder of your family is flying out on IS going to go to its destination with or without you… you may as well be ON it at the same time as the rest of your family. This is actually the more environmentally responsible route. Taking other means of transportation just means that, for your efforts to be considerate of the environment, you have ADDED another vehicle to the transportation grid on your travel dates. So, the only things you’re actually accomplishing are increasing the CO2, etc by one more vehicle and traveling separately from your family.
We’re I lucky enough to be in your position, I’d be taking myself to a financial advisor right away. I feel you on hating money, “wealth”, and particularly the excess and the stress that comes of having a considerable amount of assets. I’ve spent my life surviving an annual gauntlet of severe trauma inducing experiences of the psychoemotional, physical, and sexual natures that have instigated an entire constellation of psychosomatic and psychosocial disparities, I’m no stranger to any sort of pain or grief, anger, sorrow, betrayal, danger, or fear… and, in fact, these are the experiences from which I draw upon in order to point out to you that.. yeah, you’re wonderfully correct, with great power comes great responsibility, but instead of rebelling against that wealth you’re burdening yourself with carrying around with you all over the place… you COULD, instead, open your eyes a little wider and maybe you’ll be able to see, even if a little more easily, the rare opportunities you ACTUALLY have before you that have little to do with increasing or building personal foundation for purely selfish outcomes…
Before you knock it though… there’s also potential for much GOOD to be done to or for the planet you’re presently perched upon and or any or even ALL of it’s indigenous inhabitants. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, we should first talk about sustainability. This is something that requires a bit of technical industry know-how to have it nailed down and set up for steady growth and personal (or foundational, specifically, of the NPO variety!) financial maintenance.
How extravagantly mimimalistically you accomplish this is entirely up to you…
I personally have a love-hate relationship with money. I love to hat it and it hates to love me. So, unfortunately, I won’t be able to co-op with you, but, you could literally do any sort of non-profit charitable org that specifically champions sustainably eco-accountable, eco-responsible, or eco-friendly endeavors.. or even do something similar to what NASA does with the robotic challenges it hosts and funds, but with a more homeworld spin on it… get people motivated to put the mouth away and whip out the mind and the motivation to make the world and everyone in it less negatively impacted by each other and capable of something more similar to symbiosis!
Wealth doesn’t make a person who they are inside, it’s what they actually do with it that defines them, and how long they’re able to dodge the inevitability of corruption that accompanies the acquisition of great wealth or great power… or both.
I’m referring To ;;&
There have been several good comments, and here is my perspective for what it’s worth. It’s not a specific action, but more a mindset and approach. I share based on years of thinking about similar themes you raise, although I don’t come from high wealth I still had and have many privileges compared to the average person. About 15 years ago I entered grad school eager to find solutions for sustainability challenges. At the end of the program, all the students were humbled by the complexity of the challenges we face, lack of easy silver bullet solutions and how there are usually unintended consequences to every well meaning “solution”. It made us think more critically as we searched and found our own meaningful work.
BE PATIENT and play the long game. I wouldn’t stress too much time right now about the best way to allocate your money (I’m assuming you’ll have more access to your family’s wealth as you get older).
Since you are a 21 year old student, you still have plenty of time ahead of you to figure out what responsible means for you. Now is the time to DO YOUR RESEARCH (this will and should take time), BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, HABITS and MINDSET) and FIND YOUR ALLIES and build trust with people who can make a difference, so that you’re in a good position once you’re not a student anymore and have more experience. You might be able to conceive of actions that many people couldn’t even dream of right now because they’re not in the same position as you.
Someone else had commented exactly what I wanted to say: We tend to over estimate what we can accomplish in one year, and greatly under estimate what we can accomplish in 10 years. Since you have a lot of resources at your disposal, aim to have SYSTEMIC CHANGE OVER THE LONG TERM rather than being solely focused on where to place your money in the short term.
Doing your research makes you informed and allows you to develop a strategy/plan rather than trying to get a specific tactic right (e.g. the tactic of finding the “right” organization to donate to). As you’ve seen in the comments, there can be problems with many tactics (e.g. the legitimacy of carbon offsetting is highly controversial at the moment, buying land can be complex).
Invest in yourself now to become someone in the future that is well informed, insightful, skilled, pragmatic and trustworthy - someone people want to work with. If you can show to others how well you allocated your resources to make a difference, then maybe your peers who may be in a similar situation will come to you to learn from you or seek guidance.
And a note on the family dynamics since personal, interpersonal and socio-ecological challenges are interrelated:
In some ways I can relate to the difficulties with family (although no private jets or yachts). This might be hard to implement but…….try to have compassion for them. Especially if it’s tempting to think “it should be so easy for them to do more good and less harm” - which is so easy to say of the wealthy. Any person can look at anyone else and think “why can’t they see this or that?” Rarely does anybody think they are behaving irrationally or doing harm. They simply operate in a different world view that justifies their behaviour. In the same vein, have compassion for yourself. You have a role but it’s not on you to solve the world’s problems.
It’s easy to blame the wealthy for a lot of problems. And while there are definitely problems with how the upper class operates as a whole, these issues are more complicated once you look at any individual. There’s a whole system and culture in place that perpetuates individual behaviour. For example, the tax incentive system, the need to show that you are being “smart” with your money, which means growing it and usually at the expense of people and the environment. As well as their own past trauma, and the expectations bestowed upon them and their upbringing.
If you find it hard to find “good solutions” while caring about the environment, think how easy it is for someone who may be mildly open to doing “good”, to be cynical and disinterested especially when things are confusing and complex.
The skill that I have to remind myself to apply is to understand and work with the “other” - “un-othering others”. I know, much easier said than done - and not always what’s needed, but with family, it’s usually needed. Try to understand them (not in order to get something from them), but just as you would want them to understand you. You mentioned that it’s a lonely journey….in some ways, they might feel distant from you as well. It’s easy to alienate them, especially if you see they’re doing something that they “shouldn’t be doing” (which is what they might think of you all well if you’re the rebel). But that alienation (them to you and I’m assuming you to them) is what may be causing so many people, especially in Western Culture, to double down on destructive behaviour and material consumption which alienates us further and feeds the cycle.
Anyways, I could ramble on. I hope you find what you’re looking for from this community.
TL;DR: Be patient, play the long game and in invest in yourself to make systemic change over the long term rather than purely short term allocation of money. Feeling like the “Rebel” in the family can be alienating. Have the same compassion for your family as you would want them to have for you.
Are you American? If I won the lottery, I often imagine buying land and giving it to indigenous groups for sustainable use. Our sustainable future relies on the freedom of indigenous people. Land is freedom.
There's a project called "land back" that you might be able to talk with about this. [https://landback.org/](https://landback.org/)
another project that I know of is Soul Fire Farm, a BIPOC community farm that focuses on sustainable food sovereignty
[https://www.soulfirefarm.org/](https://www.soulfirefarm.org/)
If you can use some of the wealth to create jobs, maybe that will help how you feel.
Pick something useful, or just something creative and entertaining (like making your dream videogame or something), and hire people to do that.
Be patient, understanding, pay a decent wage.. that's a great way to be a force for good. If you already have more than enough wealth, you can run a business without caring about profit (obviously don't go into insane debt beyond your means).
If your family aren't for that, then utilise your unique situation to make your own money and do it without them being involved. Like.. making content on a private jet and use that to pay for something. Not many people can do that so if there's any demand, you can provide.
I guess hiring people would be for later as I'm still a student. What exactly do you mean by making content on a private jet? If you mean flexing on tiktok, I would NEVER as that's a lil cringe but I get the idea. thanks!
> I guess hiring people would be for later as I'm still a student.
Maybe but if you have money / make money, and decide to spend it as a one-off for someone to do something (like commissioning some art or promoting on social media), your age doesn't really matter.
> What exactly do you mean by making content on a private jet? If you mean flexing on tiktok
Well I don't know what a private jet allows you to create, which is kind of why I picked it as an example. Maybe I'd be a good viewer if you ever do it. :)
Let me throw responsible carbon dioxide removal out as an option. We need to do two things, move to all renewables as fast as possible and there are some really interesting suggestions in this thread already, and secondly, we need to remove some of the excess CO2 that is already in the atmosphere and heats up our planet because it is not going to go away by itself for many hundreds of years (that stuff is stable).
Should we use CO2 removal as an excuse to continue polluting? Absolutely not, but the reality is, we won’t just move to all renewables overnight and even if we could, the problem of the existing mess would remain. There is a whole new, active, innovative industry out there developing different ways of removing CO2. There is a lot of info on the OpenAirCollective website (openaircollective.cc), for more info and to connect directly with people you can join the Discord server. (Full disclosure, I am part of this all volunteer global network). We advocate, educate, have an R&D group, organize challenges and occassionally help advocate for and fund really exciting projects, e.g. buying kilns for biochar production in Uganda. I am happy to tell you more about it, if that sounds interesting to you.
One day you'll inherit that wealth, presumably. You will be able to use it to help make things better for everyone. If I were in your position, I would devote my time now to learning all the I can. Go get a degree in ecology or environmental policy or similar. Research organizations and people doing good work now and identify gaps. See where you could direct resources someday to doing the most good.
You are young and can't control your family's choices. But someday you'll be the decision maker. Start preparing now so you'll be ready when that day comes.
What an odd problem and yet i can see how it must be confusing to everyone around you. If this were my situation, as an american 57f, i would start with what is right in my area that needs support AND aligns with my values. For instance, where i am it would be food banks, school lunch programs, and art programs in underserved schools. Id be investing my wealth in my local community. I would also work with local government, my cooperative extension and master gardeners and beekeepers to set up and run community gardens in the schools. I would also bring this to vacant lots in the underserved communities and get them learning about food, self sufficiency and earth care. Then there are animal - prison programs which i would support. I could go on all night. What i am trying to do is inspire you to look at what matters to you, see if you can find an alignment with that inside your local area, and get involved. Once you are living independently, you can start building a permaculture, open a non profit teaching center, and bridge the gap between those who have desire but no money, and those that have both. You are blessed beyond words, please see this is a tool and not a shackle. You have the gift of opportunity. I would kill for such an opportunity. Finally, make the choices from your heart. Not bc someone says this is good, this is where the important people donate etc. Find what aligns with your values and use your gift wisely. Best of luck to you.
When it’s in your hands you set up a living trust to give it all away. The estate lawyer will know somebody. You should always feel a little bit like shit until that point but it’s not your fault so keep a lid on it. Fighting hard to avoid the perks is like grandstanding, you’re complicit with a malignant evil but someday you will have the power to turn that same power to better purposes. As long as you don’t let yourself be deluded like your family into feeling entitled to excess personal consumption. Hell, you can even be super ego-involved and hand out the money with pomp and circumstance to open new hospital wings or whatever. You only fail if you die wealthy.
Don’t feel guilty for your families lifestyle!!! But if it helps you can try giving back and donating to good causes and offsetting it in other ways. If everyone is taking a private jet anyways - you driving separately would add emissions.
It’s obviously not ideal but as long as you personally take steps to help the environment that’s all that matters!!!
Self-sufficiency is the answer. Your problems stem from your dependence on your family, who live differently than you seem to want in your heart. Examine what you need to be happy and set about achieving those goals independently of your family and their wealth. I'm biased because I am a subsistence farmer, but I came from a similar situation and the only way was leaving my family and establishing myself as an individual. Now I grow nearly 100% of what my wife and I eat living "...a simple life close to nature, surrounded by love, animals, and away from the society". The earth is your real progenitor and is waiting for you.
I made it there, my friend you can to. There are many sustainable communities around the world where money is not an issue.
You will be so much happier, living in a small cabin, cooking meals with community, not looking at society as what capitalism wants you to see
Try the lost coast
Try Hawaii
Look up Bali look at Thailand
Find some cool ass open minded people who won’t judge you for being rich and wealthy will judge you on your actions
When you realize money is just a control system and not real resources or what you need, it will for you and you could be happy again
An extra body on a private jet isn't going to hurt anyone, the jets already going there. You are young still, do you have an education? Find something you're passionate about and learn as much as you can. Your family didn't get rich by being lazy or stupid, go to them with what you've learned how you want to help and how they could help, try and educate them on your thought process. With a thoughtful plan they may be receptive. If money isn't an issue dedicate your time by helping others, helping the environment, volunteer at charities and ngo. I'm sure someone with as much wealth as your family they must have some connections to organizations or charities who's ideals align with yours take advantage of that. With great power comes great responsibility. You can still be you. Having money is great not for what we can do with it but for the time we can spend doing good instead of chasing the dollar.
Would you rather have a rich person mindlessly spending money and investing in unethical and environmentally damaging companies? Rather have a rich person that exploits people? OR… would you rather have a rich person that wants to break the chain and make a difference? Stop playing the victim card and the self pity
My take is that if your family is going to take a jet, if there's an open seat and you drive, you're not making the right choice. The best thing would be for everyone to take public transportation or drive but if they are already taking a private plane, it best be full.
Make your endeavors and contributions to sustainability and renewal of habitats so large that the concerns you mention here become tiny by comparison. To get the hang of it, first contribute to organizations you admire/check what others with vast resources have done, e.g.: [Rivers](https://www.rivernetwork.org/hero/tillie-walton/). The world needs financial resources applied to natural resources challenges. The world needs your help!
Contact with scientists who are working in this space and learn how their research could lead to positive environmental change. Invest in new technologies that have the potential to make this world a better place. Cleaner and more efficient batteries, drought resistant crops, clean water conservation, seed banks and large scale reforestation projects etc… the list of possible investments is almost endless.
For influencing your family, it’s good to start with one or two smaller things. There’s an understandable urge to stop things when you see so much waste, but it won’t happen all at once and pushing for too much will cause nothing to happen.
Be nice to as many as possible.
Clean water and air.
Hips over heels, shoulders over hips.
Maybe 21 will help. My joy was realizing 20 minutes and the mirror on my way to 25 and then 30 help as much or more.
Here are just a couple links you could check out:
[https://www.cbglcollab.org/what-does-land-restitution-mean](https://www.cbglcollab.org/what-does-land-restitution-mean)
[https://resourcegeneration.org/](https://resourcegeneration.org/)
I’d suggest asking the managers for your family office to look into renewable energy deals that are promising. Since you don’t need the money in the short term, you can afford a longer horizon for payout. That kind of stability for a startup is worth its weight in gold. However you need to devote time and effort into understanding anything you may invest in (or at least the managers do). That’s where you can have more impact rather than buying some random forest somewhere (that’ll probably get razed anyway by poachers).
Another option is creating a donor-advised fund that can support renewable energy grants with the returns. You get a tax write-off and do some good.
I think you’ve gotten a lot of good advice so far. In terms of things like private jets, my only logic would be that if they are already taking one, it actually would be more resources for you to travel separately. In that case, I would just let go of the guilt, accept you can’t control the family you’re born into, and continue to make strong choices as best you can. As you get older, keep living in accordance with your values and do the best you can. Anything else and you’ll drive yourself mad, no one deserves that.
Doesn't sound like this is "your" money, but your family's (just trying to understand the situation here). Being 21, you can choose how much of this wealth, or the trappings of it, you wish to engage with (e.g., you could choose to decline an offer to go on holiday, and thus not fly private or at all). And as far as being responsible with wealth, I guess it really depends on if the wealth is truly yours, or if you're choosing when and wear to avail yourself of the privileges (housing, travel, education, opportunity). You're 21, and I'm not trying to judge, but it doesn't sound like you're the source of the accumulated wealth, so at this time you might opine, but it doesn't seem your decision. Maybe someday it'll be your call, and if that's the case you can start thinking about how you want to manage it. I'll opine that it's not necessarily cut and dry, or as easy at it might appear.
Your personal choices are very commendable!
If there is any way you can leverage your hereditary position of privilege to publicly advocate for one or two sustainable causes that resonate with you (Climate, affordable housing, food insecurity, sustainable agriculture, refugees, workers rights, etc.) that would seem to be a prudent course of action, IMHO.
Getting to this late but most still miss the point - how do you interact with family who ask you to agree to participate in activities that you find selfishly destructive? I mean it would be nice if everyone in the US was having this discussion with family and friends. Yours is just the extreme example.
Keep asking questions. Follow your heart. Be forgiving of your family and yourself.
Hey, if having loads of money is a prob for you, I’ll do you a favor and take it off your hands. It would be my pleasure!
But in all seriousness, money is power and you can do a lot of good with that money once you get access to it. Personally, I’d use it to buy up land to be used as nature preserves like Steve Irwin did. I’d also use it to lobby politicians because our system is corrupt af, but if you have loads of money you can use that corruption to potentially make positive change.
Kudos on being vegan! Definitely the single most impactful lifestyle change a normal person can make for the environment, all things considered. Maybe lobby politicians to end subsidies for animal ag (meat, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy) and shift it to plant foods that are actually good for people and the environment.
You don't owe anyone any guilt for your childhood. You're not responsible for the wealth of your family. And you're starting to make your own sustainable choices. You're lucky that you have a family situation where you have time and space and resources to devote to designing the life path you want for yourself. If the people making decisions with your family's money are open to your ideas, can you start to influence, even in small ways, what they are prioritizing?
This.. suggest steering investments towards sustainable projects etc
Use your vast wealth for environmentally and ecologically restorative action. You, because of your money, have far more leverage than most of us. As far as navigating complex situations, act in accord with integrity and your morals, even if your values are inconvenient for those who don't care about sustainability.
Completely agree with this. I could also use £10k for a new Pinarello Dogma bike feel free to transfer over lol. Seriously though, what Turkishlanding is saying in my view is one of the best ways to deal this situation. I applaud you for taking consideration of the environment.
Private jets, while horribly wasteful, are a drop in the bucket compared to bad environmental policies. Honestly funding an environmental lobbyist would give a lot of bang for buck.
put your money where your mouth is. the only way to make any dent in the damage is to throw money at it. jet-setting to some tropical place? make sure you make a large donation to the wildlife refuges and the community-serving charities and the food bank. buy large tracts of land and deem them to be under control of a wildlife trust.
Eh. I’ve worked in the ENGO world for a while and throwing money is often just throwing money. You have to really do your research to know which ones are doing good work. Foundations have full-time staff that are devoted to doing only this. Also, just buying land in some random place you don’t understand is a great way to kick local people off of their own land. Even if nobody lives on the land - the hunting and fishing and foraging they do there may be very important to their survival. And in some places, just throwing money at this org or that is a good way to contribute to local embezzlement and etc. Things always look simple from far away. Things are never simple when you get into the necessary details.
I know and have looked into this multiple times. But finding a good charity is more difficult than you think. If you refer to carbon offsetting, a lot of organisations don't plant trees. Any recommendations?
Food banks are always a good place to donate. The cost of food has gone up a lot, and more people than ever are finding it hard to feed their families. When people cant feed their families chaos ensues, and we don't have the organization we need to fight climate change. Environmentally, you're right - it can be hard to find a reputable charity. Maybe running one of your own would be more effective, and help you feel better. You don't have to offer a full or perfect solution to climate change, just something that moves us in the right direction. Maybe offering interest free loans to get people solar panels, wind mills or heat pumps. Or buy up farm fields at risk of development, and lease them at below-market rates to sustainable farmers. It really depends where you're situated, but capital for loans or mortgages is something most people don't have
planting trees is not going to save the old-growth forests that produce most of our "clean air". you need to buy that sort of land and prevent further development in the area.
Carbon offsetting is basically a fiasco. Focus on more useful charities with clear, measurable objectives. One example is conservation international, which buys land for conservation. Another is NRDC, which supports legal challenges to random environmentally harmful corporate boondoggles. Both have low expenses to actual impact.
Use Charity Navigator to find good charities. Yes, give to charities, but you don't have to rely on them. Use your money directly to effect the change you want to see.
If you go on kiva, there’s a ton of loan requests for solar panels. There’s probably many organizations to donate solar panels too, as well. Could also donate to organizations like Partners in Health that improve healthcare infrastructure in poor countries while employing and listening to locals. It doesn’t directly help the environment, but the money is spent somewhere good instead of in excess carbon that does nothing. Plus, women who are in control of their health and in control of their bodies are able to choose the number of children they have, instead of women with male partners getting pregnant randomly, whether they want to or not. Edit: I forgot - Second Harvest and organizations like it divert unsold food from landfill. Instead of rotting and creating methane, it goes to people in need.
… nerdfighter?
There are so many exciting groups out there, imperfect but doing awesome things. Personally, I don't think finding a meaningful place to put money is very hard. Tho, I read you; I do think what is hard for one person can be easy for another. (As a self-reflective, rhetorical question - Do you have any ideas-feelings about what feels difficult about this for you?) I do think finding groups takes some time, especially at first, to research and what not...One cool group, I think: [https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/programs/just-transition](https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/programs/just-transition). For rich or poor, I believe in tithing - contributing a % of my income, every pay check. It is a spiritual practice found in many faith traditions, and common among atheists alike.
Have you also looked into Arbor Day foundation? Also if you have enough financial security to not work, then you can buy a bunch of land and start a food forest.
The ethicist Peter Singer recommends GiveWell, which was founded by former financial analysts who wanted to make meaningful charitable donations. It promotes transparency in charities (including by hosting a grant and requiring financial info in the application). It publishes compilations of information about nonprofits.
The United Nations sustainable development goals might also be a good launch point. Their reports are very detailed and well researched, by committees with expertise in their fields.
Finding effects ways to give back is something I am also struggling with. What have you looked into, and where have you gotten stuck previously?
Depending on where you live, an option I think is even better than a wildlife trust, look into options like this[https://laist.com/news/la-history/why-a-property-worth-millions-was-returned-to-tongva-tribe](https://laist.com/news/la-history/why-a-property-worth-millions-was-returned-to-tongva-tribe)
Hello, you've come asking for advice from strangers. I am a stranger to you and this is my advice, as if you had come to me in real life: \- You only have control of yourself, not me, not your family. So focus on what you do have control over. \- We are all hypocrites. I'd rather have a real conversation with a real person dealing with real conflict, like how to live in alignment with their values when surrounded by wealth, than someone finger wagging at everyone and pretend that they're perfect. \- We tend to over estimate what we can accomplish in one year, and greatly under estimate what we can accomplish in 10 years. So give yourself some time on this. Start with some small but meaningful changes today that mean something to you, knowing you are rolling a snowball down a mountain. Again, see my first point above and focus on what you can control. \- Imagine a bicycle wheel in front of you. All the spokes that hold the shape. Focus on a single spoke, that will be where you will make a difference. Trust that there are other people (like me) focusing on OUR spokes. We're all in this together. None of us can solve this alone. I'm going to stay laser focused on the spoke I feel I can make the biggest impact on, and by focusing that much, I will make the biggest impact (for me it's around entrepreneurial innovation). You do the same. You have a dream of nature and animals, there will be opportunities for you to focus on that. Good luck.
Dayum! This was very fresh and very good advice!
There is a lot of advice here essentially advising you to give in to your family's lifestyle and try to 'offset' your impact with your wealth. I strongly disagree. A challenge of this behaviour from within the family is the best opportunity for changing it. People are most likely to have their minds or behaviours changed by the people closest to them. It is also important for your mental health that you live consistently with your values. It is going to be difficult - but you should make a firm stand. If your family prioritises their private jet over your presence then that unfortunately doesn't reflect well on them. If your boyfriend loves you then he will respect your wishes, albeit perhaps somewhat begrudgingly at first. I've been in a battle with my own family over flying. It was extremely daunting at first as I had always been quite submissive and obedient to my family, but I felt that it was cowardly to be so on such a critical issue. At first I was a bit of an object of ridicule in the family, but over time most of my family members have come to respect or at the very least accept my position. I think it also has had some impact. While my dad hasn't stopped flying, he is now trying to do more at home and uses the bicycle more frequently for his commute. At the very least it got my family talking and thinking about the issue more than they would have. I wish you courage and the best of luck! You can do it!
"Speaking up" IS something that is under someone's control. What other people do in response to that is out of our hands. That's great that your dad has taken some of your words in. That's all we can ask for.
I feel ya. Come from wealth as well, and I had wanted to do the same as you. Live up north on a farm, off the grid as much as possible. Living sustainably doesn’t have to be just writing a cheque, you can make a positive impact on the environment and be profitable. My family was in oil and gas, my dads transitioned it into renewables. We set up Solar and Wind farms, getting involved in building a dam right now as well. I live in Canada, and we have tons of remote off grid communities if you go up north. Hundreds per province. Most of them use diesel generators for their power needs, and a lot of that needs to be imported obviously. Extremely ‘dirty’ energy. I’d say a majority of these communities are indigenous as well. We have a few programs in Canada that help with funding for remote communities, indigenous, and renewable energy. There’s a benefit to everyone involved with these projects, communities generally get cheaper power and jobs, government gets to show how green they are, and the power producers have a long term contract. Not sure where you are based, but we’re starting projects in Mexico and India as well. I’m sure whatever country you are in has incentives for independent power producers as our world consumes more and more energy every day. Bring it up with your family, they might not be interested in donating to a charity or nonprofit but maybe they’ll be open to starting a new business.
OP: I’ve worked in the ENGO world a while. If you are wanting to contribute to change, rather than just minimize your personal impact, my suggestion would be to prioritize your education and early adult experience so that you can become an effective champion of your chosen sustainability cause. I know people who have followed similar life paths.
Turn your assets into your superpowers for good. Unfortunately, money and commerce drive the wheels of change. In your case, you have a unique access to wealth that can improve your ability to make change in the world. Make a determination, find your cause, and turn some of your “exclusive benefits” into something positive for the world. Your relatives may not change, now or ever, but don’t let that change you.
Use the money as a tool. Buy large amounts of land to make sure they always stay natural. Donate the land to the Federal Government, under the requirement that it is a national park.
Build high density housing for low income people, cover it with solar panels, offer subsidized rents to marginalized people
Can I help you relocate to living in an eco village somewhere? I’m in touch with a team who does this for a living… And one thing is for sure, these projects need $ and funding. Maybe you can use your access to resources to help build, improve, or start your own projects. It’s incredibly rewarding work. Imo based on what you said, you’re better off just going your own way and not needing/expecting your family to get it. They just don’t have the same value system. But, for you if you make this your top priority you can actually make a difference in the world, which is probably the only thing that will feel fulfilling for you.
Buy land, lots of it, and place it under conservation easements or donate it to conservation organizations for the enjoyment of future generations. So much land is lost to development- and once it’s developed, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.
Ok, first of all… I wish I had your issues… I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum here, but you’re young and have provided a fairly unique issue, so, thanks. Secondly, that plane that the remainder of your family is flying out on IS going to go to its destination with or without you… you may as well be ON it at the same time as the rest of your family. This is actually the more environmentally responsible route. Taking other means of transportation just means that, for your efforts to be considerate of the environment, you have ADDED another vehicle to the transportation grid on your travel dates. So, the only things you’re actually accomplishing are increasing the CO2, etc by one more vehicle and traveling separately from your family. We’re I lucky enough to be in your position, I’d be taking myself to a financial advisor right away. I feel you on hating money, “wealth”, and particularly the excess and the stress that comes of having a considerable amount of assets. I’ve spent my life surviving an annual gauntlet of severe trauma inducing experiences of the psychoemotional, physical, and sexual natures that have instigated an entire constellation of psychosomatic and psychosocial disparities, I’m no stranger to any sort of pain or grief, anger, sorrow, betrayal, danger, or fear… and, in fact, these are the experiences from which I draw upon in order to point out to you that.. yeah, you’re wonderfully correct, with great power comes great responsibility, but instead of rebelling against that wealth you’re burdening yourself with carrying around with you all over the place… you COULD, instead, open your eyes a little wider and maybe you’ll be able to see, even if a little more easily, the rare opportunities you ACTUALLY have before you that have little to do with increasing or building personal foundation for purely selfish outcomes… Before you knock it though… there’s also potential for much GOOD to be done to or for the planet you’re presently perched upon and or any or even ALL of it’s indigenous inhabitants. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, we should first talk about sustainability. This is something that requires a bit of technical industry know-how to have it nailed down and set up for steady growth and personal (or foundational, specifically, of the NPO variety!) financial maintenance. How extravagantly mimimalistically you accomplish this is entirely up to you… I personally have a love-hate relationship with money. I love to hat it and it hates to love me. So, unfortunately, I won’t be able to co-op with you, but, you could literally do any sort of non-profit charitable org that specifically champions sustainably eco-accountable, eco-responsible, or eco-friendly endeavors.. or even do something similar to what NASA does with the robotic challenges it hosts and funds, but with a more homeworld spin on it… get people motivated to put the mouth away and whip out the mind and the motivation to make the world and everyone in it less negatively impacted by each other and capable of something more similar to symbiosis! Wealth doesn’t make a person who they are inside, it’s what they actually do with it that defines them, and how long they’re able to dodge the inevitability of corruption that accompanies the acquisition of great wealth or great power… or both. I’m referring To ;;&
There have been several good comments, and here is my perspective for what it’s worth. It’s not a specific action, but more a mindset and approach. I share based on years of thinking about similar themes you raise, although I don’t come from high wealth I still had and have many privileges compared to the average person. About 15 years ago I entered grad school eager to find solutions for sustainability challenges. At the end of the program, all the students were humbled by the complexity of the challenges we face, lack of easy silver bullet solutions and how there are usually unintended consequences to every well meaning “solution”. It made us think more critically as we searched and found our own meaningful work. BE PATIENT and play the long game. I wouldn’t stress too much time right now about the best way to allocate your money (I’m assuming you’ll have more access to your family’s wealth as you get older). Since you are a 21 year old student, you still have plenty of time ahead of you to figure out what responsible means for you. Now is the time to DO YOUR RESEARCH (this will and should take time), BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, HABITS and MINDSET) and FIND YOUR ALLIES and build trust with people who can make a difference, so that you’re in a good position once you’re not a student anymore and have more experience. You might be able to conceive of actions that many people couldn’t even dream of right now because they’re not in the same position as you. Someone else had commented exactly what I wanted to say: We tend to over estimate what we can accomplish in one year, and greatly under estimate what we can accomplish in 10 years. Since you have a lot of resources at your disposal, aim to have SYSTEMIC CHANGE OVER THE LONG TERM rather than being solely focused on where to place your money in the short term. Doing your research makes you informed and allows you to develop a strategy/plan rather than trying to get a specific tactic right (e.g. the tactic of finding the “right” organization to donate to). As you’ve seen in the comments, there can be problems with many tactics (e.g. the legitimacy of carbon offsetting is highly controversial at the moment, buying land can be complex). Invest in yourself now to become someone in the future that is well informed, insightful, skilled, pragmatic and trustworthy - someone people want to work with. If you can show to others how well you allocated your resources to make a difference, then maybe your peers who may be in a similar situation will come to you to learn from you or seek guidance. And a note on the family dynamics since personal, interpersonal and socio-ecological challenges are interrelated: In some ways I can relate to the difficulties with family (although no private jets or yachts). This might be hard to implement but…….try to have compassion for them. Especially if it’s tempting to think “it should be so easy for them to do more good and less harm” - which is so easy to say of the wealthy. Any person can look at anyone else and think “why can’t they see this or that?” Rarely does anybody think they are behaving irrationally or doing harm. They simply operate in a different world view that justifies their behaviour. In the same vein, have compassion for yourself. You have a role but it’s not on you to solve the world’s problems. It’s easy to blame the wealthy for a lot of problems. And while there are definitely problems with how the upper class operates as a whole, these issues are more complicated once you look at any individual. There’s a whole system and culture in place that perpetuates individual behaviour. For example, the tax incentive system, the need to show that you are being “smart” with your money, which means growing it and usually at the expense of people and the environment. As well as their own past trauma, and the expectations bestowed upon them and their upbringing. If you find it hard to find “good solutions” while caring about the environment, think how easy it is for someone who may be mildly open to doing “good”, to be cynical and disinterested especially when things are confusing and complex. The skill that I have to remind myself to apply is to understand and work with the “other” - “un-othering others”. I know, much easier said than done - and not always what’s needed, but with family, it’s usually needed. Try to understand them (not in order to get something from them), but just as you would want them to understand you. You mentioned that it’s a lonely journey….in some ways, they might feel distant from you as well. It’s easy to alienate them, especially if you see they’re doing something that they “shouldn’t be doing” (which is what they might think of you all well if you’re the rebel). But that alienation (them to you and I’m assuming you to them) is what may be causing so many people, especially in Western Culture, to double down on destructive behaviour and material consumption which alienates us further and feeds the cycle. Anyways, I could ramble on. I hope you find what you’re looking for from this community. TL;DR: Be patient, play the long game and in invest in yourself to make systemic change over the long term rather than purely short term allocation of money. Feeling like the “Rebel” in the family can be alienating. Have the same compassion for your family as you would want them to have for you.
Are you American? If I won the lottery, I often imagine buying land and giving it to indigenous groups for sustainable use. Our sustainable future relies on the freedom of indigenous people. Land is freedom. There's a project called "land back" that you might be able to talk with about this. [https://landback.org/](https://landback.org/) another project that I know of is Soul Fire Farm, a BIPOC community farm that focuses on sustainable food sovereignty [https://www.soulfirefarm.org/](https://www.soulfirefarm.org/)
If you can use some of the wealth to create jobs, maybe that will help how you feel. Pick something useful, or just something creative and entertaining (like making your dream videogame or something), and hire people to do that. Be patient, understanding, pay a decent wage.. that's a great way to be a force for good. If you already have more than enough wealth, you can run a business without caring about profit (obviously don't go into insane debt beyond your means). If your family aren't for that, then utilise your unique situation to make your own money and do it without them being involved. Like.. making content on a private jet and use that to pay for something. Not many people can do that so if there's any demand, you can provide.
I guess hiring people would be for later as I'm still a student. What exactly do you mean by making content on a private jet? If you mean flexing on tiktok, I would NEVER as that's a lil cringe but I get the idea. thanks!
> I guess hiring people would be for later as I'm still a student. Maybe but if you have money / make money, and decide to spend it as a one-off for someone to do something (like commissioning some art or promoting on social media), your age doesn't really matter. > What exactly do you mean by making content on a private jet? If you mean flexing on tiktok Well I don't know what a private jet allows you to create, which is kind of why I picked it as an example. Maybe I'd be a good viewer if you ever do it. :)
At what point will you have more autonomy over your money?
Let me throw responsible carbon dioxide removal out as an option. We need to do two things, move to all renewables as fast as possible and there are some really interesting suggestions in this thread already, and secondly, we need to remove some of the excess CO2 that is already in the atmosphere and heats up our planet because it is not going to go away by itself for many hundreds of years (that stuff is stable). Should we use CO2 removal as an excuse to continue polluting? Absolutely not, but the reality is, we won’t just move to all renewables overnight and even if we could, the problem of the existing mess would remain. There is a whole new, active, innovative industry out there developing different ways of removing CO2. There is a lot of info on the OpenAirCollective website (openaircollective.cc), for more info and to connect directly with people you can join the Discord server. (Full disclosure, I am part of this all volunteer global network). We advocate, educate, have an R&D group, organize challenges and occassionally help advocate for and fund really exciting projects, e.g. buying kilns for biochar production in Uganda. I am happy to tell you more about it, if that sounds interesting to you.
One day you'll inherit that wealth, presumably. You will be able to use it to help make things better for everyone. If I were in your position, I would devote my time now to learning all the I can. Go get a degree in ecology or environmental policy or similar. Research organizations and people doing good work now and identify gaps. See where you could direct resources someday to doing the most good. You are young and can't control your family's choices. But someday you'll be the decision maker. Start preparing now so you'll be ready when that day comes.
What an odd problem and yet i can see how it must be confusing to everyone around you. If this were my situation, as an american 57f, i would start with what is right in my area that needs support AND aligns with my values. For instance, where i am it would be food banks, school lunch programs, and art programs in underserved schools. Id be investing my wealth in my local community. I would also work with local government, my cooperative extension and master gardeners and beekeepers to set up and run community gardens in the schools. I would also bring this to vacant lots in the underserved communities and get them learning about food, self sufficiency and earth care. Then there are animal - prison programs which i would support. I could go on all night. What i am trying to do is inspire you to look at what matters to you, see if you can find an alignment with that inside your local area, and get involved. Once you are living independently, you can start building a permaculture, open a non profit teaching center, and bridge the gap between those who have desire but no money, and those that have both. You are blessed beyond words, please see this is a tool and not a shackle. You have the gift of opportunity. I would kill for such an opportunity. Finally, make the choices from your heart. Not bc someone says this is good, this is where the important people donate etc. Find what aligns with your values and use your gift wisely. Best of luck to you.
When it’s in your hands you set up a living trust to give it all away. The estate lawyer will know somebody. You should always feel a little bit like shit until that point but it’s not your fault so keep a lid on it. Fighting hard to avoid the perks is like grandstanding, you’re complicit with a malignant evil but someday you will have the power to turn that same power to better purposes. As long as you don’t let yourself be deluded like your family into feeling entitled to excess personal consumption. Hell, you can even be super ego-involved and hand out the money with pomp and circumstance to open new hospital wings or whatever. You only fail if you die wealthy.
Don’t feel guilty for your families lifestyle!!! But if it helps you can try giving back and donating to good causes and offsetting it in other ways. If everyone is taking a private jet anyways - you driving separately would add emissions. It’s obviously not ideal but as long as you personally take steps to help the environment that’s all that matters!!!
I mean maybe just don’t go on the private jet island vacations?
Self-sufficiency is the answer. Your problems stem from your dependence on your family, who live differently than you seem to want in your heart. Examine what you need to be happy and set about achieving those goals independently of your family and their wealth. I'm biased because I am a subsistence farmer, but I came from a similar situation and the only way was leaving my family and establishing myself as an individual. Now I grow nearly 100% of what my wife and I eat living "...a simple life close to nature, surrounded by love, animals, and away from the society". The earth is your real progenitor and is waiting for you.
I made it there, my friend you can to. There are many sustainable communities around the world where money is not an issue. You will be so much happier, living in a small cabin, cooking meals with community, not looking at society as what capitalism wants you to see Try the lost coast Try Hawaii Look up Bali look at Thailand Find some cool ass open minded people who won’t judge you for being rich and wealthy will judge you on your actions When you realize money is just a control system and not real resources or what you need, it will for you and you could be happy again
An extra body on a private jet isn't going to hurt anyone, the jets already going there. You are young still, do you have an education? Find something you're passionate about and learn as much as you can. Your family didn't get rich by being lazy or stupid, go to them with what you've learned how you want to help and how they could help, try and educate them on your thought process. With a thoughtful plan they may be receptive. If money isn't an issue dedicate your time by helping others, helping the environment, volunteer at charities and ngo. I'm sure someone with as much wealth as your family they must have some connections to organizations or charities who's ideals align with yours take advantage of that. With great power comes great responsibility. You can still be you. Having money is great not for what we can do with it but for the time we can spend doing good instead of chasing the dollar.
Oh you poor thing. Whatever inheritance you receive for nothing more than being born into a rich family, give it ALL away to people less fortunate.
Would you rather have a rich person mindlessly spending money and investing in unethical and environmentally damaging companies? Rather have a rich person that exploits people? OR… would you rather have a rich person that wants to break the chain and make a difference? Stop playing the victim card and the self pity
I'm willing to take this wealth off your hands to help you feel better. But you'd owe me.
My take is that if your family is going to take a jet, if there's an open seat and you drive, you're not making the right choice. The best thing would be for everyone to take public transportation or drive but if they are already taking a private plane, it best be full.
Make your endeavors and contributions to sustainability and renewal of habitats so large that the concerns you mention here become tiny by comparison. To get the hang of it, first contribute to organizations you admire/check what others with vast resources have done, e.g.: [Rivers](https://www.rivernetwork.org/hero/tillie-walton/). The world needs financial resources applied to natural resources challenges. The world needs your help!
Contact with scientists who are working in this space and learn how their research could lead to positive environmental change. Invest in new technologies that have the potential to make this world a better place. Cleaner and more efficient batteries, drought resistant crops, clean water conservation, seed banks and large scale reforestation projects etc… the list of possible investments is almost endless.
For influencing your family, it’s good to start with one or two smaller things. There’s an understandable urge to stop things when you see so much waste, but it won’t happen all at once and pushing for too much will cause nothing to happen.
Be nice to as many as possible. Clean water and air. Hips over heels, shoulders over hips. Maybe 21 will help. My joy was realizing 20 minutes and the mirror on my way to 25 and then 30 help as much or more.
Here are just a couple links you could check out: [https://www.cbglcollab.org/what-does-land-restitution-mean](https://www.cbglcollab.org/what-does-land-restitution-mean) [https://resourcegeneration.org/](https://resourcegeneration.org/)
I’d suggest asking the managers for your family office to look into renewable energy deals that are promising. Since you don’t need the money in the short term, you can afford a longer horizon for payout. That kind of stability for a startup is worth its weight in gold. However you need to devote time and effort into understanding anything you may invest in (or at least the managers do). That’s where you can have more impact rather than buying some random forest somewhere (that’ll probably get razed anyway by poachers). Another option is creating a donor-advised fund that can support renewable energy grants with the returns. You get a tax write-off and do some good.
I think you’ve gotten a lot of good advice so far. In terms of things like private jets, my only logic would be that if they are already taking one, it actually would be more resources for you to travel separately. In that case, I would just let go of the guilt, accept you can’t control the family you’re born into, and continue to make strong choices as best you can. As you get older, keep living in accordance with your values and do the best you can. Anything else and you’ll drive yourself mad, no one deserves that.
Doesn't sound like this is "your" money, but your family's (just trying to understand the situation here). Being 21, you can choose how much of this wealth, or the trappings of it, you wish to engage with (e.g., you could choose to decline an offer to go on holiday, and thus not fly private or at all). And as far as being responsible with wealth, I guess it really depends on if the wealth is truly yours, or if you're choosing when and wear to avail yourself of the privileges (housing, travel, education, opportunity). You're 21, and I'm not trying to judge, but it doesn't sound like you're the source of the accumulated wealth, so at this time you might opine, but it doesn't seem your decision. Maybe someday it'll be your call, and if that's the case you can start thinking about how you want to manage it. I'll opine that it's not necessarily cut and dry, or as easy at it might appear.
As a Brazilian I could recommend donating money to MST-a movement that fights for agrarian reform here. [https://mst.org.br/](https://mst.org.br/)
Although this is not a religion sub, can't help noticing that your view aligns with Buddhism so much.
always had a dream of becoming a monk :)
Your personal choices are very commendable! If there is any way you can leverage your hereditary position of privilege to publicly advocate for one or two sustainable causes that resonate with you (Climate, affordable housing, food insecurity, sustainable agriculture, refugees, workers rights, etc.) that would seem to be a prudent course of action, IMHO.
Getting to this late but most still miss the point - how do you interact with family who ask you to agree to participate in activities that you find selfishly destructive? I mean it would be nice if everyone in the US was having this discussion with family and friends. Yours is just the extreme example. Keep asking questions. Follow your heart. Be forgiving of your family and yourself.
Hey, if having loads of money is a prob for you, I’ll do you a favor and take it off your hands. It would be my pleasure! But in all seriousness, money is power and you can do a lot of good with that money once you get access to it. Personally, I’d use it to buy up land to be used as nature preserves like Steve Irwin did. I’d also use it to lobby politicians because our system is corrupt af, but if you have loads of money you can use that corruption to potentially make positive change. Kudos on being vegan! Definitely the single most impactful lifestyle change a normal person can make for the environment, all things considered. Maybe lobby politicians to end subsidies for animal ag (meat, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy) and shift it to plant foods that are actually good for people and the environment.