Monero, Ravencoin, and Tether use a proof-of-work function that requires CPUs and defeats GPUs and ASICs, so there is an argument to be made that perhaps there is a slightly greener proof-of-work function. I don't quite understand how their function RandomX works, it requires a VM, lots of memory, and randomly generated work functions that need to be translated by the VM. Been hunting for a good page to explain this, but the point is: it aims to make mining more decentralized because the average user can still participate.

I don't like proof of stake because again, the rich get richer in this scenario, which works against the decentralized core value of cryptocurrency.