Patagonia just turned the entire profit of their company into a foundation to protect the earth. Bill Gates has been giving almost all of his money away and runs the Giving Pledge for other billionaires that feel their wealth is unevenly distributed. GiveWell has raised and donated over a billion dollars to organizations that most efficiently save lives.

Gift of giving - simon maage unsplash
Source: Simon Maage, unsplash

Companies in the tech-industry are looking for ways to give. Edge Impulse [3] donates some of their profit to environmental organizations via 1% for Planet (started by the founder of Patagonia) [4]. At our boutique synthesizer manufactory, we gift the CO2 footprint of production to Trees for All. There is a lot of giving going around.

Doing good

Effective Altruism describes a group of people that have done the math on doing good. Where (and what) can you give that is most efficient; most lives saved of suffering diminished? Firstly, if you live in a wealthy country then going to volunteer in a less wealthy country is a bad idea efficiency wise. So is setting up a noble cause from here for over there. Supporting local-run going efforts with your money is the way to go.

I think looking critically at such hopeful spending is a good idea but it misses the point that most giving misses; it does not change the circumstances that created suffering in the first place. At the same time when you are hungry, homeless or ill NOW system change in the future does not alleviate your pressing needs. Giving (and I think our carbon offsetting is a form of climate philanthropy) only holds its moral ground if you do not then excuse yourself. For the part you play in creating circumstances that lead to suffering, and for the part you should play in making sure these circumstances change in the future.

Fair share

We already have a system that is meant to redistribute our wealth more evenly, to house the homeless and to uplift the masses so everyone may be self-sufficient and thriving. Taxes. Or rather, taxation when it works properly. When they are proportionate to wealth and used for the good of everyone in society. As historian Rutger Bregman said at the Davos World Economic Forum, “Just stop talking about philanthropy, and start talking about taxes. Taxes, taxes, taxes.”  Taxes are the price we ought to pay for participating in the society we are in. They are not dependent on our beliefs, our good will or when it is Christmas. Through democratic means, we do have a say on how (and on whom) our taxes are spent.

Should your company restructure itself into a foundation or set aside a percentage of profit to give away? Yes, if you are willing and able to do so and you understand that it does not absolve you. But I am more interested to see how much — and where — your company pays its taxes. 

Priscilla Haring-Kuipers writes about technology from a social science perspective. She is especially interested in technology supporting the good in humanity and a firm believer in effect research. She has an MSc in Media Psychology and makes This Is Not Rocket Science happen. 

The World Ethical Electronics Forum

The World Ethical Electronics Forum (WEEF) inspires global innovators with open discussions and publications about ethics and sustainable development goals. Visit worldethicalelectronicsforum.com for inspiration and to participate.