Digital Agency YML Launches FIREWATCH NFT Project to Restore California Forests

This first-of-its-kind cryptocurrency project introduces a sustainable NFT solution, in partnership with One Tree Planted

REDWOOD CITY, California, 31 August 2022 /PRNewswire/ — YMLa Silicon Valley-based, award-winning digital agency responsible for building some of the most revolutionary digital creations for cutting-edge Fortune 500 companies and hyper-growth startups, today announces the launch of FIREWATCH, a first-of-its-kind NFT project designed to prevent forest fires and promoting afforestation i California.

Marking a key moment in the next wave of sustainable Web3, FIREWATCH will allow consumers to “break new ground” by purchasing a carbon-neutral NFT cross-section of pop art. California landscape. All proceeds will support forest fire prevention and conservation through One tree planteda non-profit organization dedicated to global replanting.

Uses the environmentally friendly blockchain Solana, the FIREWATCH project aims to flip the script on conversations about NFTs and the environment, proving that it is more than possible to run the technology sustainably. On average, NFT transactions use 340 kilowatt hours of energy, which is more than a third of the energy a typical American home uses in a month. In comparison, Solana transactions use less energy than three Google searches and 17 times less energy than a full phone charge.

“We are excited to launch the FIREWATCH project and leverage our expertise in sustainable web development to promote reforestation and bushfire resilience at a time when it is so urgently needed,” says Ashish Toshniwal, founder and CEO of YML. “As NFTs are still in their relative infancy, we are also excited to demonstrate how this new technology can be harnessed for positive change.”

This project comes at a time when global climate change is becoming increasingly urgent. 2020 and 2021 recorded the highest number California wildfires in history, with more than 4 million acres burned in the state. Additionally, with the current state of the environment, climate scientists predict a 50% increase in wildfires by 2050 (source: CalFire). Through FIREWATCH, YML expects to generate more than 1 million dollars in funds to benefit fire prevention and restoration projects across the state California.

“We all have a role to play in protecting the environment and fighting climate change, and we admire YML’s dedication to being an innovative force for good.” says Matt Hill, founder and chief environmental evangelist at One Tree Planted. “With YML’s support, we are restoring areas across the board California which has been destroyed by forest fires, as well as protects California’s forests from future fires with innovative forest fire prevention projects.”

“It’s exciting to see FIREWATCH using NFTs at Solana to mobilize community and action around climate change,” said Amira Valliani, policy director at the Solana Foundation. “NFTs are becoming an increasingly popular way for communities to come together around common purpose. Solana’s advantages as an environmentally friendly discount chain make it an excellent home for projects like these.”

The FIREWATCH project is currently live at where NFT units can be purchased based on four levels – $100, $500, $3000 and $100,000.

About YML:

YML (Y Media Labs) is a design and technology agency that brings Silicon Valley to the world by creating award-winning digital products and experiences. YML has launched mobile apps, websites and other digital experiences for a range of clients including PayPal, Google, Universal Music Group, The Home Depot, Yeti and Polestar. Its work has been recognized by Steve Jobs (Yes it Steve Jobs) and featured by TED Talks, in The Wall Street Journal (“YML is one of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley”), Forbes, Ad Age, ABC, CNBC and more. Founded in 2009, YML is now home to 500+ innovative designers, strategists and engineers worldwide. To learn more please visit yml.co.

SOURCE YML