> when I recently read about its energy consumption (per byte stored), I sold my bitcoins in disgust

You fell for the meme...

Energy consumption as compared to what? What energy sources? This line of argumentation feels very misleading to me and always has because it is presented with a very specific framing. Here's an alternative framing for example:

https://unchained-capital.com/blog/bitcoin-does-not-waste-en...

At least you sold high, so good on you!