Good Market > Help Center > About
Why?A 21st century economy that is good for people and good for the planet
There is a growing movement of people around the world that no longer accepts "business as usual." We are choosing to live mindfully and prioritize people and the planet in our daily decisions. We are choosing to support enterprises that share our values. By making different choices, we are changing the rules and creating a new economic system. The purpose of Good Market is to catalyze this transition. |
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How?
A curation process that works across economic sectors, income levels, regions, and language divides
Social and environmental labels and certification schemes can help us identify participants in this new economy, but they tend to be fragmented by sector and by region. They are also expensive and out of reach for many small-scale, localized initiatives. Good Market has developed a community-based curation process and crowdsourced monitoring system that is inclusive and transparent. This increases the visibility of the larger movement and opens opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
Social and environmental labels and certification schemes can help us identify participants in this new economy, but they tend to be fragmented by sector and by region. They are also expensive and out of reach for many small-scale, localized initiatives. Good Market has developed a community-based curation process and crowdsourced monitoring system that is inclusive and transparent. This increases the visibility of the larger movement and opens opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
What?
An online platform that makes it easier to find, connect, and exchange with participants in the new economy
Good Market is curated, which means all vendors go through an application and review process to ensure they meet minimum sector standards and prioritize people and the planet. This information is public and transparent, which makes it easier to find products and services, and partner with like-minded groups. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Good Market reinvests any surplus to expand services for the community. Upcoming releases will focus on improved search, chat, and online transactions to make it even easier for community members to find, connect, and exchange with one another.
Good Market is curated, which means all vendors go through an application and review process to ensure they meet minimum sector standards and prioritize people and the planet. This information is public and transparent, which makes it easier to find products and services, and partner with like-minded groups. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Good Market reinvests any surplus to expand services for the community. Upcoming releases will focus on improved search, chat, and online transactions to make it even easier for community members to find, connect, and exchange with one another.
Good Market Principles
Good Market is based on the idea that we create the world we live in. We make decisions every day that affect our health, our loved ones, our community, and our environment. If we stop and think about the consequences of our actions, we have the opportunity to make better choices and create a better world.
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The following principles are at the core of the Good Market approach.
Make the Road by WalkingThe only way to make progress is to start walking and learn and adjust as we go. Developing an enterprise that is financially sustainable and good for people and the planet is not easy. There are many obstacles and trade-offs. Instead of waiting for perfection, Good Market focuses on minimum standards and continuous improvement. This applies to both the platform and the vendor community. Applicants are never “rejected.” They are encouraged to make improvements and reapply.
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Support Transparency
Many traditional business models are based on proprietary information. Companies hide details on their suppliers, keep ingredients and sources secret, and sign exclusivity agreements. Purpose-driven enterprises have business models based on providing service or adding value rather than the control of information or intellectual property. An ethical company gives people all of the information they need and lets them make their own decisions. Considering the scale and urgency of the global challenges we face, Good Market favors transparency and the open exchange of information. Sharing information improves learning, builds trust and relationships, and speeds the rate of change.
Think Ecosystem
As purpose-driven enterprises emerge and partner with one another, a diverse and resilient new ecosystem is evolving. In this sense, enterprises are not competing with one another. They are differentiating to fill a gap, address needs, and create value. Good Market makes these ecosystem niches visible and reaches out to entrepreneurs who can help fill gaps in a particular sector or geographical area. We also recognize enterprises that partner with other participants in the new economy because this drives co-evolution and strengthens the overall system.
Hold the Space
Good Market community members are creating a new economy and a better world. The Good Market team just holds the space. We maintain the rules of the marketplace, ensure the curation process is consistent and fair, and coordinate crowdsourced monitoring. The goal is a platform that is community-driven, self-governed, and self-financing.
Celebrate the Process
Raising awareness about social and environmental crises is important, but fear can paralyze people. It’s easier to catalyze change and engage new people when we focus on creating the type of world we want to live in and incorporating all of the beautiful things that make us human: social gatherings, food, storytelling, music, dance, art, and play. If we want a better world, we need as many people involved as possible, and we need to celebrate the steps along the way.