diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a921dbe..2e3ec57 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ This repo contains Docker build files for a Discord bot built with Node.js and u
 git clone https://git.ssh.surf/MrTuxedo/gwei-alert-bot.git
 ```
 
-2. Add the following environment variables to the runtime container via `docker-compose.yml`:
+2. Create a .env file in the root of the project and add the following environment variables:
 
 ```makefile
 RPC_URL=<your rpc url>
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ docker compose up -d --build
 
 ## Environment Variables
 
-The following environment variables must be set in `docker-compose.yml` in order for the bot to function properly:
+The following environment variables must be set in either `.env` or `docker-compose.yml` in order for the bot to function properly:
 
 - RPC_URL: Your RPC url
 - DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN: the Oauth2 token for your Discord bot.
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 2df4844..4a7ccc2 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ services:
       - 1.1.1.1
     environment:
       - NODE_ENV=production
+      - DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN
+      - DISCORD_CLIENT
+      - RPC_URL
     restart: unless-stopped
 
 volumes: