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New community members for April 2019

Good Market April 2019 Blog
Welcome to the 26 social enterprises and responsible businesses that joined the Good Market community in April 2019! This month’s roundup includes social enterprise service providers, upcyclers, fair trade tourism, and more from the United States, United Kingdom, Jersey, Czech Republic, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and China. See all 930 Good Market approved community members at www.goodmarket.global.
SeaSisters

SeaSisters

Weligama, Sri Lanka

SeaSisters is a swim and surf program for Sri Lankan women and girls. Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of death by drowning in the world, and many women in rural areas never learn to swim. SeaSisters seeks to empower Sri Lankan women and girls and restore the ocean as a safe space. They provide free weekly swim and surf lessons and integrate topics like environmental awareness and ocean safety. The program is volunteer driven and community supported. Local responsible businesses provide swimming pool access and surf boards for the lessons.
https://seasisters.goodmarket.global

Goldfinger Factory

Goldfinger Factory

London, United Kingdom

Goldfinger Factory is a sustainable design social enterprise that turns waste into gold. They create bespoke furniture, interiors, and products from reclaimed, upcycled, and sustainably sourced materials while helping artisans and artisans-in-the-making become self-sustaining through craft. Their location in the iconic Trellick Tower includes a furniture showroom, community café, woodworking workshop, and teaching platform and offers studio space for resident artisans, paid learning experiences for trainees, tool lending and classes for community members, and a monthly People’s Kitchen to provide a welcoming meal for anyone in need. Goldfinger Factory is registered as a community interest company and gives a third of its distributable reserves to the community in the form of free building and training services.
https://goldfingerfactory.goodmarket.global

Elevated Honey Co

Elevated Honey Co

Degen, China

Elevated Honey Co is dedicated to preserving traditional Asian beekeeping methods. They produce pure, raw honey from wild beehives in the highlands of China and teach appropriate harvesting and management techniques to maintain a thriving native honeybee population. Elevated Honey is also focused on creating rural livelihood opportunities. Many adults in this region are forced to leave their families and go to cities looking for work. Harvesting and directly marketing pure, high value honey can provide a sustainable source of income and enable people to stay in their village. Elevated Honey operates as a social enterprise and commits more than 50 percent of profits to a disaster fund for producers and habitat regeneration for honeybees and other pollinators.
https://elevatedhoneyco.goodmarket.global

Ajiyer Fair Trade Tourism

Ajiyer Fair Trade Tourism

Tangail, Bangaldesh

Ajiyer Fair Trade Tourism is a pioneer of community based tourism in Bangladesh. Since 2002, they have been hosting Meet the People Tours, which are organized in partnership with Traidcraft, a leading fair trade organization from the United Kingdom. Ajiyer offers local and international travelers an opportunity to learn about farming, food, music, crafts, and biodiversity in rural Bangladesh. They aim to honor living culture, knowledge, skills, and rituals, revitalize traditional industries, and enhance the livelihoods of people in rural communities. Programs for students and low income groups are organized at affordable rates. Ajiyer means “today” in Chittagonian and serves as a reminder that we need to act properly today to have a better tomorrow.
https://ajiyer.goodmarket.global

Society Profits

Society Profits

Michigan, United States

Society Profits is focused on scaling the social enterprise sector in the United States through global accreditation, social impact procurement, affordable back office services, and education. They help corporations expand their social impact by purchasing from accredited social enterprise suppliers and service providers, and they enable social enterprises to grow and innovate by connecting them with new buyers, investors, and business opportunities. Services are offered on a low bono or pro bono basis if required. Society Profits operates as a social enterprise and has included an asset lock and social mission in their incorporation documents.​
https://societyprofits.goodmarket.global

Billygoats & Raincoats

Billygoats & Raincoats

Wales, United Kingdom

Billygoats & Raincoats is on a mission to rescue the more than 200,000 tents that get abandoned each year by festival goers in the United Kingdom and give them new life as quality rainwear for kids. As a zero waste company, Billygoats & Raincoats makes their coats to last. They offer free repairs for the first year and affordable repairs for life. All salvaged materials and offcuts are put to good use, all materials from linings to trims are ethically sourced, and all products are made in Wales under fair conditions. Billygoats & Raincoats works with UK music festivals to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling.
https://billygoatsraincoats.goodmarket.global

Apeksha

Apeksha

Ragama, Sri Lanka

Apeksha was set up as a social enterprise to build an inclusive society and promote meaningful employment opportunities for differently abled people. They train blind and visually impaired women how to sew and provide them the necessary skills and tools to produce quality work, earn a living with respect and dignity, and contribute to their families and communities. The work area has been modified for safety, accessibility, and ease of movement. Apeksha undertakes custom orders and specializes in making bags from unbleached cotton and waste fabric as an alternative to single-use plastic bags. They are committed to making both their products and their operations good for people and good for the planet.​
https://apeksha.goodmarket.global

SOPHIE & MILA SENSORY PLAY

Sophie & Mila Sensory Play

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sophie & Mila Sensory Play offers natural playdough and sensory play materials that help develop fine motor skills and creativity and are safe for children and the environment. Materials are sourced from Good Market community members, and environmentally responsible packaging is prioritized. Sophie & Mila Sensory Play donates play materials and a percent of profits to orphanages, underprivileged preschools, community centers, and the CCC Foundation.​
https://sophieandmila.goodmarket.global

The Sustainable Cooperative (SCOOP)

The Sustainable Cooperative (SCOOP)

St Lawrence, Jersey

The Sustainable Cooperative (SCOOP) is a local community initiative to support organic farming practices and marginalized farmers and create a more sustainable food supply on the island of Jersey. SCOOP has a cooperative ownership model and is focused on making healthy, natural products affordable to everyone in the community while ensuring that farmers are paid fairly. Members can use their cards to earn discounts. SCOOP offers fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery items, dry goods, and natural home and body products. Whenever possible, products are locally sourced and sold without packaging. There is also a packaging collection and cleaning facility for easy reuse or recycling.
https://scoop.goodmarket.global

​Mount Lavinia Hotel Vegan Poya Buffet

​Mount Lavinia Hotel Vegan Poya Buffet

Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Mount Lavinia Hotel Vegan Poya Buffet and Vegan High Tea were started to encourage healthy, mindful living. The hotel kitchens have developed a special vegan menu with a focus on natural, locally sourced ingredients. Constructed in 1806 as the Governor’s Residence, Mount Lavinia Hotel has a long history of community engagement. They offer hospitality training and employment opportunities to local young people, maintain the Mount Lavinia railway station, operate a preschool in the nearby fishing community, and support community cleanups and tree planting. The Vegan Buffet and High Tea are free of single-use plastics. Mount Lavinia Hotel is in the process of phasing out single-use plastics throughout their operations.​
https://mountlaviniahotel.goodmarket.global

HUB9 Coworking Space

HUB9 Coworking Space

Colombo, Sri Lanka

HUB9 Coworking Space was started to help grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sri Lanka and empower would-be entrepreneurs and founders who are inspired to solve problems. They keep package rates as low as possible to support freelancers and startups from all backgrounds. Meeting rooms, internet, printing, tea, coffee, water, 24-hour access, and cleaning services are included in the membership so that entrepreneurs can fully focus on developing their businesses. HUB9 aims to link all of their spaces together into an incubator and accelerator to help educate, fund, and grow local businesses.
https://hub9.goodmarket.global

Gradely Estate

Gradely Estate

Matara, Sri Lanka

Gradely Estate aims to bring the health benefits of high quality Ceylon cinnamon to the world. They are committed to fair trade practices, living wages, rural employment opportunities, and traceability. Gradely Estate contributes to community projects and provides workers with social security, quality accommodation, and a bonus scheme. Products include value-added cinnamon teas, coffees, cocoa, essential oils, powders, and quills.
https://gradelyestate.goodmarket.global

Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN)

Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN)

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) is Sri Lanka’s first impact investment firm. They mobilize private capital to solve pressing social and environmental issues, actively invest in social enterprises through impact investment funds, and provide business development support to nurture social entrepreneurs across the country. LIIN is the co-owner of Ath Pavura, the first reality TV program that connects social entrepreneurs and impact investors, and the organizer of the Emerging Women’s Summit to promote female leadership in social entrepreneurship and impact investing.
https://liin.goodmarket.global

Terra Merita

Terra Merita

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Terra Merita specializes in natural, vegan botanical blends for health and wellness. They offer turmeric latte, hibiscus latte, and raw cacao latte mixes. Ingredients are sustainably sourced from small-scale producers in Sri Lanka.
https://terramerita.goodmarket.global

Jeevanama

Jeevanama

Lahore, Pakistan

Jeevanama aims to revamp food systems in Pakistan by promoting regenerative agriculture, building model farms, raising awareness about nutrient-rich natural foods, connecting consumers with farmers using regenerative agriculture practices, and most importantly, having fun while doing it. Jeevanama was started by young Pakistanis committed to permaculture and regenerative agriculture. The name, which means “book of life” or “story of life,” celebrates the life that pulses within and around us.​
https://jeevanama.goodmarket.global

Dottie's

Dottie's

Bandaragama, Sri Lanka

Dottie’s aims to enrich and embrace the human experience by encouraging people to pause and mindfully enjoy the teatime tradition. They offer hand-blended teas and bakery treats with a focus on sustainability, health, wellness, and conscious consumption. Dottie’s sources eggs, tea, and non-dairy milks from local small-batch suppliers and offers vegan, egg free, refined sugar free, and gluten free options. Local rice flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, and kithul syrup are used whenever possible, and tea is served on vintage pre-loved china and tableware. Dottie’s kitchen in Bandaragama is made from ecobricks. They grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables onsite and provide employment opportunities to people in the area. Dottie’s contributes to a vocational training center for differently-abled adults, orphanages, and village water projects in central and northeastern Sri Lanka.
https://dotties.goodmarket.global

Be Positive Journal

Be Positive Journal

London, United Kingdom

Be Positive Journal is a unique journal that was started by raising 140% of the requirement through a Kickstarter campaign. It provides a page-by-page guide to support physical and emotional balance, increase productivity and mental wellbeing, and help people define their goals and dreams and take positive actionable steps towards them. Be Positive provides guidance, training, and consultation and donates journals to people in need. The journals are printed on environmentally responsible paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.​
https://bepositivejournal.goodmarket.global

Mohksha Kombucha

Mohksha Kombucha

Polgasowita, Sri Lanka

Mohksha specializes in small-batch kombucha, a living beverage made with organic tea and other locally sourced ingredients. In order to preserve the natural probiotics and optimize the health benefits, the brew is not pasteurized. Flavor blends include cinnamon, vanilla, and orange, cardamom, clove, and nutmeg, ginger, mint, and lime, and belimal, ranawara, and kothalahimbatu. Mohksha Kombucha donates five percent of sales to support local not-for-profit organizations that are dedicated to animal welfare and environmental protection.
https://mohkshakombucha.goodmarket.global

Little Lagoon Hostels

Little Lagoon Hostels

Arugam Bay & Ahangama, Sri Lanka

Little Lagoon Hostels offer affordable accommodation on Sri Lanka’s east coast in Arugam Bay and on the south coast in Ahangama. In order to avoid resource use and new construction, they have renovated existing buildings, converted shipping containers into private rooms, and upcycled building materials and furniture. Little Lagoons minimizes single-use plastics, segregates and recycles waste, and has a free water refill station. They support local community initiatives by organizing charity dinners and contributing to local events.
https://littlelagoon.goodmarket.global

BConnected

BConnected

Colombo, Sri Lanka

BConnected specializes in professional event management and human resource services for non-profit organizations, social enterprises, international agencies, government ministries, and leading corporations. They organize everything from internal meetings to international conferences and seminars and offer support for translation, transcription, rapporteuring, publication design and corporate communications. As part of their recruitment services, BConnected works with unemployed youth on skill development and ethical business principles and helps place them in full time jobs with career development opportunities. By offering highly customized corporate services, BConnected enables mission-driven organizations to save time and resources and focus on their core purpose.
https://bconnected.goodmarket.global

Prospera

Prospera

Makola, Sri Lanka

Prospera produces handmade soap from coconut oil, aloe vera, and other home grown and locally sourced natural ingredients. All packaging materials are biodegradable. Prospera is committed to empowering women, protecting nature, and helping people in need. They donate soap and a percent of profits to Helping Hand Foundation and other local not-for-profit initiatives.
https://prospera.goodmarket.global

Wild & Coco

Brand Name

Prague, Czech Republic

Wild & Coco makes it easier for people in the Czech Republic to access healthy, vegan coconut products including organic young coconut, coconut spreads, coconut yogurt, and coconut jerky snacks. They provide free manuals, recipes, and a 21-day detox program to help customers transition to a healthy lifestyle. Wild & Coco is committed to sustainable sourcing and benefiting their suppliers. They also contribute 10% of profits to rainforest conservation in Borneo.
https://wildandcoco.goodmarket.global

Cinnasol

Cinnasol

Galle, Sri Lanka

Cinnasol is a line of environmentally responsible cleaning products developed from cinnamon leaf oil and other natural, locally sourced ingredients. Their product range includes a multi-surface cleaner that can be used on wooden furniture, kitchen counters, stainless steel, tile, and other surfaces, a floor cleaner, and a streak-free window cleaner. Cinnamon leaf oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and a refreshing natural cinnamon fragrance. Unlike conventional cleaning products, Cinnasol does not require rinsing and does not introduce hazardous chemicals into the water supply. Customers are encouraged to refill and reuse their containers to minimize waste. Cinnasol sources cinnamon from their own plantations and does not use synthetic fertilizers or other agrichemicals.
https://cinnasol.goodmarket.global

Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo Faculty of Law

Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo Faculty of Law

Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Rotaract Club of the University of Colombo Faculty of Law 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. Rotaract Colombo Law collaborates with other local networks including the Youth Advocacy Network of Sri Lanka, UDecide Mediation Platform, and environmental groups like Rainforest Protectors.​
https://rotaractcolombolaw.goodmarket.global

Ecofoods

Ecofoods

Ratnapura, Sri Lanka

Ecofoods was started to reduce food waste and make healthy, natural food more accessible to urban consumers. They specialize in dehydrated jackfruit. They also produce other dehydrated fruits and vegetables and fresh cut local fruits for birthdays, work programs, religious ceremonies, and other events. Ecofoods preferentially hires people with disabilities.
https://ecofoods.goodmarket.global

Health First

Health First

Ratmalana, Sri Lanka

Health First focuses on providing fresh, nutritious, great tasting meals at affordable prices. Ingredients are sourced from organic producers whenever possible. Health First offers customized meals for people following specialized diets including athletes, body builders, vegetarians, and people with diabetes or other health concerns.
https://healthfirst.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