Good Market Community Update for September 2019

9/30/2019

Welcome to the 33 social enterprises, responsible businesses, and voluntary organizations that joined the Good Market community in September 2019! This month's roundup includes new community members from Japan, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. More than 1,094 enterprises across 35 countries are now part of the Good Market community. ❤ See them all at goodmarket.global.

Be As You Wear

Salisbury, Connecticut, United States
Be As You Wear sells retail and custom wholesale hoodies, tees, tanks, and other basic apparel and uses the profits to support young people who are at risk of dropping out of school or quitting on life. Through arts and adventure-based prevention, intervention, research, and recovery immersion programs, they aim to end the staggering number of drug and alcohol overdoses and deaths in the United States. Be As You Wear partners with a US manufacturer committed to social and environmental sustainability. Products are made using low-impact dyes, organic cotton, recycled PET bottles, bamboo, or hemp. An effort is made to keep the clothing as affordable as possible. Wholesale discounts are available for schools, not-for-profits, and organizations whose bottom line is the wellness of their clients and employees.
https://www.goodmarket.global/beasyouwear

Pioneers Post

London, United Kingdom
Pioneers Post aims to deliver the news and set the agenda for the new wave of social entrepreneurs, responsible business leaders and impact investors across the globe. They publish a social enterprise magazine quarterly, a newsletter weekly, and new online articles, videos, and podcasts daily. Pioneers Post is itself a social enterprise with a legal structure that safeguards their social aims. Revenue comes from subscribers, partners, and sister company Fable Bureau, a creative agency committed to storytelling with a social purpose.
https://www.goodmarket.global/pioneerspost

Dutton Farm Market

Rochester, Michigan, United States
Dutton Farm Market empowers and supports adults with special needs to live a life of purpose, inclusion, and dignity. They employ adults with developmental disabilities to manufacture, package, and label their range of natural balms, soaps, scrubs, spritzes, and soy wax candles. All profits from the market go back into Dutton Farm, a nonprofit that supports adult education, community involvement, and workforce development for adults with disabilities. Dutton Farm Market believes in the possibility of a fully inclusive workplace and aims to be a model for other enterprises.
https://www.goodmarket.global/duttonfarmmarket

Social Enterprise Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Social Enterprise Ethiopia is a membership organization focused on building a strong social enterprise ecosystem in Ethiopia for a sustainable and inclusive economy. Members have an opportunity to connect with other social entrepreneurs, government, donors, investors, and partner organizations; access exclusive invitations and preferential rates for events; and increase visibility through the SEE directory, media platforms, and "Business for Good" logo. Social Enterprise Ethiopia also coordinates training programs, mentorship, coaching, advisory support, and other business development services. They conduct research, raise awareness, and lobby on behalf of the social enterprise movement in Ethiopia.
https://www.goodmarket.global/socialenterpriseethiopia

Amrita

Kimino, Japan
Amrita is a Buddhist social enterprise that focuses on fair trade products, organic food, and community events, retreats, tours, and training programs. They are developing a retail outlet, cafe, and community space in Kimino, Japan. The founder grew up in a temple and is ordained in the Jodo Buddhist tradition. Amrita combines Buddhist philosophy and practice with social enterprise in order to serve people from all backgrounds.
https://www.goodmarket.global/amrita

Social Sector Task Force

Hartford, Connecticut, United States
The International Franchise Association (IFA) established the Social Sector Task Force to leverage the potential of franchising models for social enterprises and non-governmental organizations. The Task Force is composed of IFA members who are leading professionals in commercial franchising. They offer mentoring and consulting to help social sector franchisors effectively and efficiently scale their impact through the principles of franchising. When a franchise system is well designed, structured and managed, it has an unparalleled capability to deliver products and services consistently, sustainably and at a lower cost of operations than other methods of product and service distribution. The IFA Social Sector Task Force focuses on social franchises that improve the lives of underserved communities and people at the bottom of the pyramid.
https://www.goodmarket.global/socialsectortaskforce

Ashoka

Arlington, Virginia, United States
Ashoka is a citizen-sector organization that has pioneered the field of social entrepreneurship. Since 1980, they have identified and supported more than 3,500 of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. Ashoka Fellows directly impact the lives of millions of people across the globe. They also provide examples, ideas, and insights that can serve as a roadmap in a world of accelerating change. Ashoka mobilizes a global community to embrace these new frameworks, transform institutions and cultures, and build an "everyone a changemaker world." Priority is giving to helping children and young people develop empathy and other changemaking skills.
https://www.goodmarket.global/ashoka

Cha's Organics

Montreal, Canada
Cha's Organics specializes in organic fair trade coconut milk, spices, and tropical fruits, which are grown on biodiverse, family owned organic farms. They are passionate about regenerative organic agriculture, fair trade principles, and food that is affordable, nourishing, and delicious. Their fair trade premiums support organic seedlings, inputs, and tools, training on organic farming methods, community centers, drinking water supply, school supplies, and financial security initiatives for women in the community. Cha's Organics donates one percent of all coconut milk sales to the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society to help protect Sri Lanka’s wild elephants.
https://www.goodmarket.global/chasorganics

Climate Action Now

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Climate Action Now is a volunteer-driven Sri Lankan initiative that connects individuals and organizations that care about the environment and raises public awareness on the urgency of climate action. This includes individual action at home, school, and in the workplace and collective action for policy change. Climate Action Now shares information in local languages, organizes zero waste campaigns and events, and supports mission-aligned groups.
https://www.goodmarket.global/climateactionnowsl

Amor Wellness

Dikwella, Sri Lanka
Amor Wellness is a socially and environmentally responsible spa in southern Sri Lanka. Rather than hiring externally, they train local community members to offer 5-star massages, facials, and other treatments. Amor Wellness uses Ophir spa products, which are made from Ceylon black, red, pink, green, and white teas, locally sourced herbs, botanical extracts, and essential oils. Their boutique features a curated collection of wellness and lifestyle products from local Good Market approved brands.
https://www.goodmarket.global/amorwellness

Honest Greens

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Honest Greens was started to increase local food security and resilience to climate change and expand year-round access to healthy, pesticide free produce. Their indoor vertical farm yields 15 times more per acre and reduces water consumption by up to 95 percent compared to conventional agriculture methods. Production is protected from droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. With the incorporation of solar energy, Honest Greens aims to reduce their carbon footprint and provide a complete sustainable solution to the upcoming threats to food security. They offer a range of leafy greens including cos lettuce, red and green oak leaf lettuce, rocket, kale, swiss chard, and pak choi.
https://www.goodmarket.global/honestgreens

Shanthi Maargam

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Shanthi Maargam, which means "pathways to peace" in Sinhala and Tamil, provides safe and inclusive space to enhance young people’s emotional wellbeing and create opportunities for learning and growth. They have developed youth counseling protocols and a helpline with local language services that handles calls about suicide, self-harm, and abuse. Shanthi Maargam provides a place for young people to discuss and learn about equitable gender behaviors, sexual and reproductive health, relationships, and life skills. They offer counseling services, therapy, and personal development through art, drama, music, yoga, meditation, and karate. By challenging violent gender roles and providing holistic support to heal past conflict and trauma, Shanthi Maargam aims to build strong and equitable relationships and break the cycle of violence.
https://www.goodmarket.global/shanthimaargam

Pothaholic

Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Pothaholic creates Sri Lanka inspired stationery that showcases local art and design and gives back to the community. They developed an equality education program for disadvantaged areas and contribute a portion of funds from each purchase to this initiative. Pothaholic is committed to sourcing ethical and environmentally responsible materials and partners with local initiatives that focus on health, mindfulness, and sustainability.
https://www.goodmarket.global/pothaholic

Extinction Rebellion Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Extinction Rebellion Sri Lanka is a local arm of the international socio-political movement. They use nonviolent direct action to raise awareness on the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological collapse. The movement is organized in small, autonomous groups around the world and is committed to being participatory, decentralized, and inclusive. Extinction Rebellion Sri Lanka works closely with other local environmental organizations to expand impact.
https://www.goodmarket.global/extinctionrebellionsrilanka

RC Skin Boutique

Wattala, Sri Lanka
RC Skin Boutique produces soap, hair oil, balms, scrubs, masks, and other personal care products in small batches from natural, locally sourced ingredients like avocado, cinnamon, and activated charcoal. They aim to keep their products affordable and make quality natural skincare accessible to all.
https://www.goodmarket.global/rcskinboutique

Healfo Lanka

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Healfo Lanka is a social venture focused on providing high value herbal health products, expanding organic agriculture practices, and creating rural livelihood opportunities for small-scale farmers. They started in Anuradhapura district because the region has been heavily affected by chronic kidney disease and the migration of women for domestic work overseas. Healfo currently works with a network of more than 500 farmers, 75 percent of whom are women, to produce moringa, turmeric, garcinia, brahmi bittergourd, lotus, ginger, soursop, curry leaf, lemongrass, and sesame for dehydrated herbal powders, teas, capsules, soaps, and oils. They sign buy-back agreements, offer financial literacy programs, and help establish banking facilities for all farmers in the program.
https://www.goodmarket.global/healfolanka

Oyanna

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Oyanna aims to raise awareness about the impacts of toxic synthetic dyes and promote the transition to naturally dyed fabrics. They work with plant-based colors from ayurvedic ingredients, foliage, and food waste including onion peels and discarded tea leaves. If needed, Oyana offers re-dyeing services for naturally dyed fabric that fades over time.
https://www.goodmarket.global/oyanna

Maus Organic

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Maus Organic clothing is versatile comfortwear designed and ethically made in Sri Lanka from 100% organic cotton. All colored items are made with nontoxic and natural dyes. Maus focuses on quality wardrobe essentials that can be worn for years. They retail natural washing powder for environmentally responsible fabric care. Maus donates to Lanka Alzheimer's Foundation, Sunera Foundation, and the International Christmas Charity Bazaar.
https://www.goodmarket.global/mausorganic

Tropical Pottery

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tropical Pottery works with traditional local artisans to develop and market modern terracotta and stoneware pottery designs. They focus on sustainable livelihoods and preserving the craft.
https://www.goodmarket.global/tropicalpottery

Diriya Aruna

Sri Jayawaredenepura-Kotte, Sri Lanka
Diriya Aruna is a service program that was started by the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura in 1997. Each year, the university students raise funds to develop a science laboratory for a disadvantaged school. The mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of where they were born, have access to an excellent education. Diriya Aruna is under the guidance of the dean and academic staff at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura.
https://www.goodmarket.global/diriyaaruna

Social Sector Network

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Social Sector Network supports social enterprises and sustainable development practitioners through training, consulting, and connecting. Their online social impact ecosystem provides an alternative to physical incubators and accelerators. Social Sector Network makes quality social entrepreneurship training and resources accessible to anyone with an internet connection and provides early-stage support to social enterprise founders and teams around the world. They offer free support services and mentoring to events and organizations in their local community.
https://www.goodmarket.global/socialsectornetwork

Tropic of Linen

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tropic of Linen specializes in locally made linen clothing for men, women, and children. They chose to work with linen because it is a natural, environmentally responsible material. Flax can be grown with minimal water and inputs, and linen clothing does not contribute to microplastic pollution. All designs are produced at their own facility in Angulana to ensure quality and ethical practices. Scrap fabric is used for children's clothing and accessories. Tropic of Linen has a retail outlet in Colombo and provides opportunities for other socially and environmentally responsible local brands.
https://www.goodmarket.global/tropicoflinen

Mosaic'd

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mosaic'd upcycles discarded and broken ceramics, tiles, glass, and mirrors into unique mosaic artwork, including name plates, house numbers, mirror frames, counters, benches, and tables. They communicate about the importance of reducing and reusing waste for a circular economy. Mosaic'd contributes to support children's education.
https://www.goodmarket.global/mosaicd

KOICA Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka
KOICA is a Korean government agency focused on development cooperation for people, peace, prosperity, and planet. The Sri Lanka office coordinates volunteers, fellows, and consultants from Korea. Priority cooperation areas include education, transport infrastructure, water supply, waste management, and capacity building in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. KOICA Sri Lanka is committed to awareness and action on the global Sustainable Development Goals.
https://www.goodmarket.global/koicasrilanka

The Coriandarium

Boralesgamuwa, Sri Lanka
The Coriandarium was started in response to concerns about fillers, additives, and low quality ingredients being used in mass produced commercial spice blends. They specialize in small-batch spice mixes, seasonings, and condiments made from sustainably sourced organic and natural ingredients. Popular products include chai masala, roasted and unroasted curry powder, black curry powder, garam masala, sambar, harissa, and infused vinegars and oils. The Coriandarium is committed to waste reduction and takes back glass bottles for refills or recycling. They use paper bags made from recycled newspaper.
https://www.goodmarket.global/thecoriandarium

Ariya

Boralesgamuwa, Sri Lanka
Ariya produces naturally dyed clothing that is healthier for the skin and better for the planet. Most clothing is made with synthetic dyes that have known risks for our health and the environment. Ariya aims to provide an alternative and create livelihood opportunities for local artisans. They offer clothing dyed with turmeric, red cabbage, hibiscus, avocado pit, tea, and other natural materials.
https://www.goodmarket.global/ariya

NiLa Herbals

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
NiLa Herbals started on a farm in Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's east coast. They initially sold coconut and seasonal intercrops, but as they learned more about the health benefits of traditional cold-pressed oils, they began to produce coconut oil for home consumption. Further research caused them to question the ingredients in conventional skincare products, and they began using the coconut oil to produce natural soaps for family and friends. NiLa Herbals has expanded production to help more people access natural personal care products and to increase livelihood opportunities in the surrounding community. They regularly provide free soap to to people in need.
https://www.goodmarket.global/nilaherbals

Rotaract University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte, Sri Lanka
The Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura is a not-for-profit voluntary organization that aims to serve the community and its members through creative innovation and sustainable service. They organize community service projects for low income and marginalized groups, environmental initiatives, and programs on leadership and professional development. Any surplus collected during fundraising events is used for other club projects.
https://www.goodmarket.global/rotaractusjp

Urumaya

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Urumaya partners with suppliers to create environmentally responsible lifestyle products as local alternatives to imported, synthetic, and disposable products. For example, they produce cutlery and straw packs made from recycled fabrics and encourage people to say no single-use plastic. Urumaya provides employment opportunities for people who need the flexibility of stay-at-home work. A percent of monthly profits is donated to reforestation programs.
https://www.goodmarket.global/urumaya

Healing the Gut

Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
Healing the Gut teaches immune-boosting nutrition to improve life with autism, ADHD, food allergies, leaky gut, and other digestive and adrenal disorders. The program was developed by Kim Maes, a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and creator of the Cook It Allergy Free apps and website. Kim is a scientific nutritionist with degrees in human biology and exercise physiology and a Masters of Science in Nutrition. She is Board Certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Healing the Gut provides meal plans, shopping lists, and recipes that restore long-term balance, energy, and health. The goal is to give people the tools to change their lives by improving their health from the inside out.
https://www.goodmarket.global/healingthegut

Aroma Natural

Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
Aroma Natural specializes in handmade vegetable glycerin soap, face and body packs, hair oil, and other skincare products. They use natural, locally sourced herbs and oils and pure coconut-based glycerin that is free from surfactants, sulfates, and other synthetic additives.
https://www.goodmarket.global/aromanatural

The Fitness Story

Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Fitness Story helps people transition to healthier lifestyles through personal and group fitness training, nutrition advice, and massage. The founder is a Sri Lankan Foundation certified fitness trainer who wants to make fitness programs more accessible for people of different backgrounds. The Fitness Story offers home visits and classes in parks in central Colombo and in the surrounding suburbs.
https://www.goodmarket.global/thefitnessstory

Plovf.lk Natural

Kaduwela, Sri Lanka
Plovf.lk Natural wants to increase the availability of healthy, affordable food options and introduce Russian flavors in Sri Lanka. Popular products include plovf, a Russian style biriyani, vegetable soups, salads, and blini pancakes made with local kurakkan flour. All proceeds are used to support a kidney patient waiting for a transplant.
https://www.goodmarket.global/plovflknatural

Know an initiative that's good for people and good for the planet? Encourage them to get involved. The online application is available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil at www.goodmarket.global/application.

Want to help make it available in another language? Learn more about the community translation project here.