Welcome to Good Market Info!
Click the logo to return to the Good Market app
Welcome to Good Market Info! Click the logo to return to the Good Market global app.
Menu
Menu
Welcome to Good Market Info!
Click the logo to return to the Good Market app
Welcome to Good Market Info! Click the logo to return to the Good Market global app.
Welcome to the 36 social enterprises, responsible businesses, and voluntary organizations that joined the Good Market community in May 2019! This month’s roundup includes green tech, fair trade enterprises, responsible travel destinations, and more from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. See all 965 Good Market approved community members at www.goodmarket.global.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Kandy Samadhi Centre is a unique nature retreat designed to calm the mind and promote wellness. They offer traditional vegetarian food made from organically grown ingredients, Ayurvedic massage and treatments, yoga, meditation, river bathing, bird watching, and nature walks. Nearly all of the staff members are from the local community. The Samadhi Centre provides free health care and Ayurveda treatments for staff and covers education costs and university scholarships for their children. They source Ayurvedic herbs, honey, fresh produce, and free range chicken from village producers and have helped develop local artisan workshops for brass, bronze casting, carpentry, and antique restoration. The Kandy Samadhi Centre is ideal for writers, artists, and workshop retreats.
https://thekandysamadhicentre.goodmarket.global
Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Sarvodaya’s mission is the total awakening and wellbeing of all, from the individual to the family, the community, the nation, and the world. Sri Lanka’s Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement started in one village in 1958 and expanded through community-based efforts and volunteerism. It was recognized and registered under a special act of parliament. By the late 1970s, with support from international partners, Sarvodaya had reached 15,000 villages throughout Sri Lanka. Sarvodaya continues to support the activities of more then 3,000 legally independent village societies. They also provide national services through specialized units and legally independent sister organizations that focus on specific development goals like education, community health, disaster management, microfinance, social entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and community-based tourism. The Deshodaya unit promotes national awakening and a culture of democracy, good governance, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. Sarvodaya is supported through community donations, voluntary action, and self-financing initiatives.
https://sarvodaya.goodmarket.global
Detroit, United States
Pingree Detroit is a worker-owned company that produces quality footwear and accessories and provides meaningful, living wage work to veterans. By using upcycled materials and reclaimed leather from the automobile industry, they reduce waste to landfill. Pingree is committed to locally sourced, toxin free materials, zero waste, and zero carbon emissions. They support veterans overcoming homelessness, provide leadership development opportunities, and sponsor alternative therapy including yoga, meditation, and float tank sessions.
https://pingreedetroit.goodmarket.global
Colombo, Sri Lanka
chargeNET is an electric vehicle charging solution developed and manufactured in Sri Lanka. They offer fast chargers, home chargers, and commercial chargers coupled with mobile and web based software and smart card controls for fully automated operation. chargeNET is committed to improving electric vehicle charging infrastructure at economical rates throughout Sri Lanka. They are spearheading the creation of green corridors for electric vehicle users by expanding their network island-wide.
https://chargenet.goodmarket.global
Madampe, Sri Lanka
Gospel House has been manufacturing fair trade wooden toys, puzzles, games, and mobiles for export since 1977. Their mission is to provide training and employment opportunities to young people in rural areas, add value to locally available resources, and improve the living standards of their employees and producers. Gospel House offers a range of more than 1,000 products for private label or under their Woodbrix brand. All products meet international standards for child safety and are made from sustainably sourced albizia wood and certified nontoxic paints. Gospel House is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).
https://gospelhouse.goodmarket.global
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Agronauten is a not-for-profit association that engages in participatory research, education, and outreach related to resilient local food systems and organic agriculture. Their interdisciplinary research team works on topics like producer-consumer partnership models, access to land for agroecological farmers, self-empowered technological solutions for farmers, regional logistics, integration of refugees through agriculture, indicators of farm sustainability, and changing food and farming culture. Agronauten works regularly with schools, gives lectures at universities and other institutions, organizes exhibitions and the AgriKultur Festival, and partners with other German and European organizations. The name comes from the Greek legend of the Agronauts and their quest to find the Golden Fleece. The Agronauten want to travel to unknown spheres and return with wisdom and insights for food sovereignty, agroecology and food justice.
https://agronauten.goodmarket.global
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Bedspace Guesthouse and Kitchen specializes in great space, creative food, and responsible business practices. They invest in building local staff and local suppliers. Team members receive healthcare, life insurance, time off for community service, free language tuition, reimbursement for any external education course regardless of subject, and employee ownership options. Bedspace Kitchen sources 95 percent of their ingredients locally, primarily from farmers and food companies that they have incubated and helped grow. Organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Bedspace donates monthly to two local animal charities, fully sponsors an IT training lab at a local school, and contributes to beach cleanups.
https://bedspace.goodmarket.global
Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
Kitesurfing Lanka offers accommodation, food, kitesurfing lessons, trips, equipment, and repairs, yoga, massage, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, diving, and other travel experiences in the Kalpitiya area of northwestern Sri Lanka. Profits are reinvested in environmental protection and community outreach. Kitesurfing Lanka does not sell plastic water bottles or use plastic straws. They organize regular beach cleanups and have partnered with The Carbon Consulting Company to develop an innovative Blue Carbon initiative that enables guests to offset their travel and support mangrove forest restoration. The vision is a “green wall” of mangroves that sequesters carbon and protects against tropical storms, cyclones, and tsunamis. Kitesurfing Lanka also provides interest-free loans to staff, contributes monthly to the local fisheries community, supports primary schools in Kalpitiya, organizes community campaigns on plastic pollution, funds sterilization and vaccination for area street dogs, and participates in local, provincial and national forums on sustainable tourism.
https://kitesurfinglanka.goodmarket.global
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Shashya Prabartana is a social enterprise started by UBINIG, a pioneer in the organic food movement in Bangladesh. Since 1988, the Naya Krishi Andolon new agriculture movement has been expanding its network of farmers committed to biodiversity-based ecological agriculture. Initially products were only available in rural markets, but now the Shashya Prabartana grocery outlet and home delivery service makes it easier to access safe, natural, and organic food in Dhaka. They offer seeds, nuts, grains, legumes, flours, spices, traditional oils, natural sweeteners, dairy, meat, fish, and a range of specialty products. Proceeds support the Naya Krishi Andolon farmer movement and awareness programs on safe food, nutrition, and health for urban consumers.
https://shashyaprabartana.goodmarket.global
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Cyclalogy was started by a professional cycling technician and trainer to make cycling easier in Sri Lanka. They offer bicycle rental, fitting, maintenance, and servicing, custom designed RIFFS bicycles, cycling products, and training. The Cyclalogy team believes cycling is the future for responsible and sustainable communities. They promote everyday cycling for health and the environment, and they help non-cyclists get involved in the local cycling community.
https://cyclalogy.goodmarket.global
Kodoli, India
Priyanka Foods and Naturals is a natural food company started by a woman entrepreneur in Kolhapur, India to promote healthy living and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. They specialize in spirulina powder and tablets and also offer mushrooms, moringa, wheatgrass, tulasi, turmeric, green tea, and green coffee. PF Naturals organizes free training camps and buy-back programs so that women can start a home business without risk. They also engage in tree planting campaigns in their local community.
https://pfnaturals.goodmarket.global
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Bites Arugam Bay is a bakery and cafe on Sri Lanka’s east coast that offers espresso coffee drinks, tea, cakes, and healthy treats made from all natural ingredients. They source from local farmers and enterprises, prioritize environmentally responsible supplies, and contribute to the community. Each year, Bites donates to improve school facilities and playgrounds for the children of Arugam Bay.
https://bitesarugambay.goodmarket.global
Maroochydore, Australia
Spin Tribe brings together a community of like-minded, inspirational and passionate entrepreneurs and individuals in the Sunshine Coast area and makes it easier for them to collaborate, trade, and share resources. They organize gatherings, events, workshops, and retreats with a focus on self-empowerment, health, and wellbeing for all. Spin Tribe members have access to Freeomy, an online sharing platform that enables people to exchange items without money, and Tribe Market, an ecommerce site for local social enterprises, responsible businesses, and creatives.
https://spintribe.goodmarket.global
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
MOMO Natural Dyes offers a positive alternative to toxic synthetic dyes. They specialize in versatile bags and wallets made from natural textiles and hand-dyed with plant-based dyes. Priority is given to locally sourced ayurvedic plants like madder root and kasthuri.
https://momo.goodmarket.global
Colombo, Sri Lanka
AiGROW offers greenhouse management software and integrated software and hardware solutions for turnkey greenhouse projects. Urban greenhouses provide healthy fresh produce without pesticides or weedicides, minimize water use, energy consumption, and waste, reduce food miles, and support local food security. AiGROW promotes the use of abandoned and under-utilized spaces like warehouse buildings, old containers, or rooftops for greenhouse development. Profits are reinvested in further development and expansion. Fresh produce that is harvested from the research greenhouses is distributed to employees free of charge.
https://aigrow.goodmarket.global
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Karma Gardens is a vegan cafe on Sri Lanka’s east coast. By providing tasty plant-based food, they hope to encourage people to have a couple more meatless meals per week and reduce their carbon footprint. Karma Gardens sources the majority of their ingredients locally to minimize emissions and support small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs. The cafe is plastic free and offers metal straws and free water refills. Karma Gardens pays above average wages and has a profit sharing system for staff. They support vaccination, sterilization, and medical care for local street dogs.
https://karmagardens.goodmarket.global
Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
Ruuk Village provides eco-friendly accommodation, kitesurfing lessons and rentals, and travel experiences in the Kalpitiya area of northwestern Sri Lanka. Ruuk Village is Sri Lankan owned and is committed to contributing to the local economy by training and employing local team members, sourcing local food ingredients, and partnering with local service providers. They offer interest-free loans to team members and local partners and donate to neighboring schools. In order to minimize their environmental footprint, Ruuk Village designed facilities to maximize air flow so air conditioning is not required. They use solar lighting, minimize and segregate waste, and send recyclables to dedicated facilities in Colombo. Their mission is to promote simple, sustainable lifestyles and demonstrate that success is not about maximizing profit, but about living with balance.
https://ruukvillage.goodmarket.global
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Grassrooted Trust was set up to provide a safe space and support for people facing stigma and discrimination in Sri Lanka, including people living with HIV, people who use drugs, people who sell sex, people who have survived gender-based violence, and people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. They help these communities develop their own independent grassroots organizations. Grassrooted also works with teachers to supplement and support existing sex education curricula and uses theater productions, workshops, and an interactive online platform called Bakamoono.lk to raise awareness on issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Their “Who Made This?” line of mugs, postcards, and t-shirts stimulate dialog and support marginalized communities.
https://grassrooted.goodmarket.global
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Waste Action LK (WALK) is a network of responsible businesses, development partners, waste management experts, and community changemakers working together to create sustainable solutions and mitigate Sri Lanka’s waste crisis. The WALK national media campaign is funded by membership fees and aims to raise awareness about current waste practices, highlight solutions, and catalyze public action. The initiative is jointly managed by Ananta Sustainables, a waste management consultancy, and R. Parker Publishing, a media firm.
https://wasteactionlk.goodmarket.global
Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
Kite House Café offers affordable food, accommodation, and travel experiences in the Kalpitiya area of northwestern Sri Lanka. The cafe specializes in international recipes made with locally sourced natural ingredients. Kite House hires people from local villages with no prior hospitality experience and either provides or pays for training in English, driving, cooking, management, nature conservation, and environmentally responsible practices. They also organize annual staff trips so the team can experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks and places of national importance firsthand. As part of their commitment to environmental conservation, Kite House is developing a small forest garden on their land, organizes monthly beach cleaning, and hosts regular environmental programs and games for local school kids.
https://kitehousecafe.goodmarket.global
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Arcadia Villas offers accommodation and meals in a peaceful garden setting on Sri Lanka’s east coast. They specialize in wholesome food made from natural, locally grown ingredients. Arcadia Villas aims to raise awareness about responsible travel. They avoid single-use plastic, offer water refills and reusable straws and bags, and prioritize local suppliers and service providers that are good for people and good for the planet.
https://arcadiavillas.goodmarket.global
Galle, Sri Lanka
Poonie’s Kitchen specializes in fresh and healthy food, natural juices, tea, coffee, and cakes. They offer vegan and vegetarian options and use organic ingredients whenever possible. The cafe is plastic free and uses locally sourced papaya stalks as straws.
https://poonieskitchen.goodmarket.global
Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka
The BNKR in Kalpitiya is a destination for fitness, sports, and health enthusiasts. They offer a strength and conditioning gym with CrossFit equipment, a calisthenics playground, a varied class schedule, and international trainers. They also have a cafe, coffee, and juice bar with healthy whole foods and vegan and keto options. Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are prioritized over imported options. For example, The BNKR uses local millets instead of quinoa and cashew milk instead of almond milk. They host plastic-free local events and raise awareness about nutrition, fitness, and healthy living.
https://thebnkr.goodmarket.global
London, United Kingdom
Jadon Group is a UK-based distributor that focuses on supporting innovative startup manufacturers and ethical companies creating positive environmental and social change. They aim to raise awareness and expand the market for vegan, organic, healthy, and sustainable goods and help make these products more accessible and affordable for consumers in the United Kingdom.
https://jadongroup.goodmarket.global
Maharagama, Sri Lanka
Royal Nursing specializes in 24-hour home nursing services and residential facilities for senior citizens in Sri Lanka. Their elders’ home organizes outings and daily activities for residents and provides opportunities to stay active, enjoy nature, engage in social service projects, and share wisdom with younger generations. Royal Nursing aims to strengthen the nursing profession in Sri Lanka by providing training opportunities and higher than average pay and benefits to their workers. In addition to elder care, Royal Nursing offers emergency ambulance services, onsite corporate health care services, and free medical camps for low income communities.
https://royalnursinghome.goodmarket.global
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
The Clay House raises awareness about the health and environmental benefits of using traditional terracotta clay products. They specialize in clay water filters, water dispensers, and cookware as an alternative to imported plastic and aluminum options. They also offer clay wedding cake boxes, housewares, and artwork. The Clay House collects discarded clay products for reuse or compost and will re-fire clay water filters every six months to restore their filtration capacity.
https://theclayhouse.goodmarket.global
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Sidekick was started to introduce electric scooters to Sri Lanka as a fun, economical, and environmentally responsible first and last mile transport solution. The Sidekick scooter is lightweight and portable, so it can be used in combination with public transport or as a replacement for fossil fuel powered vehicles for short-distance commutes. Local after-sales servicing is available.
https://sidekick.goodmarket.global
Panadura, Sri Lanka
Oyai Mamai specializes in traditional Sri Lankan pickles, sambols, and sweets at affordable prices. They use locally sourced vegetarian ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, or other additives. Oyai Mamai aims to minimize the use of polythene. They sell their products in reusable glass jars or biodegradable packaging.
https://oyaimamai.goodmarket.global
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
Ruu Gallery specializes in customized hand-painted clothing and housewares. Their painted textiles draw on traditional Sri Lankan motifs and provide livelihood opportunities for local artisans. Priority is given to sustainably sourced materials including unbleached and undyed natural textiles, local handloom, and non-toxic fabric paints. Ruu Gallery volunteers with local community groups, organizes free workshops for children, and promotes visual arts as a medium for self-expression and emotional development.
https://ruugallery.goodmarket.global
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ayubo aims to share Ayurvedic herbal infusions from Sri Lanka with the world. Their range of herbal blends include bael flower (belimal), sarsaparilla (irumusu), mountain knotgrass (polpala), Tanner’s cassia (ranawara), gotukola, ginger coriander, ginger lemongrass, garcinia mint, bitter melon and green tea, and Ceylon cinnamon. The name comes from “Ayubowan,” a wish for long life that is a traditional greeting in Sri Lanka. Ayubo is a family venture that draws on three generations of Ayurvedic experience.
https://ayubo.goodmarket.global
Kotmale, Sri Lanka
Helanta Coffee collects and roasts coffee from a network of more than 1,500 small-scale farmers across 20 villages in Sri Lanka’s hill country. They focus on building the capacity of local communities to produce high quality forest garden coffee. Helanta Coffee organizes regular extension visits and training, promotes organic techniques, and closely monitors cultivation, harvesting, sorting, and primary processing. Rejected cherries and beans are made into compost. A percent of all profits are used to support schools and community events in the Kothmale area.
https://helantacoffee.goodmarket.global
Katuwana, Sri Lanka
TK Helarasa aims to create rural employment opportunities and improve access to traditional Sri Lankan health foods. They partner with small-scale farmers to offer a range of herbal wellness drinks and food supplements including gotukola, belimal, karapincha, welpenela, hathawariya, kurakkan flour, cinnamon, and garcinia cambogia.
https://tkhelarasa.goodmarket.global
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
La Ceyloné specializes in tropical batik, linen, and print shirts made with wood buttons and compostable natural fibers or upcycled textile offcuts from local apparel factories. All clothing is made in their own production facilities to ensure socially and environmentally responsible practices. La Ceyloné’s batik range supports local artisans and is made with azo-free fiber reactive dyes.
https://laceylone.goodmarket.global
Maharagama, Sri Lanka
Jump Books is an online bookstore with a carefully curated selection. They believe books can change your life, and they aim to make it easier for readers in Sri Lanka to access transformative nonfiction on entrepreneurship, finance, relationships, meditation, self-help, psychology, biographies, and more. As an online business, they aim to minimize their environment impact, and they ensure books are sent in biodegradable paper packaging with no plastic waste.
https://jumpbooks.goodmarket.global
Eldeniya, Sri Lanka
Real Life is a network of mentors, counselors, ambassadors, and volunteers that support sociocultural and environmental initiatives. They specialize in family life coaching, therapy, mindfulness, sustainable living, and edutainment programs. Discounts are available for students and low income groups, and voluntary services are provided to people in need.
https://reallife.goodmarket.global
Ragama, Sri Lanka
HomiePickle creates homemade pickles and chutneys from all natural, locally sourced ingredients. They encourage healthy lifestyles by making it easier for people to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables, avoid refined oils and sugars, and access vegan options. Popular varieties include polos young jackfruit, sweet and sour mango, spicy mango, and traditional Sinhala pickle. HomiePickle is committed to environmentally responsible practices. They preserve food to minimize waste and pack their products in reusable glass jars.
https://homiepickle.goodmarket.global
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 https://www.goodmarket.global/application. Urdu translation is completed, and translation into other languages is now underway. Learn more about the community translation project here.