World of Good (Emeryville, California) is an organization, consisting of several sub-groups, that uses commerce to alleviate poverty in marginalized artisan communities around the world. Two friends who graduated from UC-Berkeley’s Business School, Priya Haji and Siddharth Sanghvi, founded World of Good to connect artisans, consumers and wholesalers in a way that impacts all positively.

Consumers can purchase fair trade items and learn about the impact of their buying decisions, wholesalers can find products for their stores, and the nonprofit arm of World of Good funds community projects that assist artisans in such countries as Vietnam, India, South Africa, Guatemala, Indonesia and Kenya.

At the consumer level, a partnership with Ebay called WorldofGood.com provides readers the resources needed to make good choices and connect with others who want to understand how their buying choices impact people and the planet. Articles, blogs and discussions focus on ethical sourcing, shopping responsibly, social innovators and many other related topics.

Handcrafted fair trade gifts, accessories and housewares from about 150 producer groups in 34 countries can be purchased the Original Good website.

The World of Good Development Organization is a registered nonprofit that works to improve the lives of thousands of artisans and their families by strengthening wage standards and funding community development projects that improve living conditions.

Some of the development projects include:

Kenya - Two freshwater wells have been built to help artisans in a soapstone carving community, who previously had to walk 3 hours each day to access clean water.

India - Artisans in a sewing community attend a free medical clinic supported by World of Good, including a new blood analyzer. Educational toys and equipment are provided for a preschool in an artisan community where mothers embroider pouches, totes and slings. Another artisan group provides medical care for its group.

Guatemala - Children of artisans who weave baskets and sew bags have been provided building materials and a computer lab for a new school.  A grant has been provided to improve the community water system that was ravaged by Hurricane Stan.

South Africa - A computer lab has been provided wich provides artisans with information, resources and connections to the world.

Vietnam - Jewelry artisans received a grant to buy furniture for a preschool.

Indonesia - Artisans received funding to refurbish a kindergarten, and purchase learning materials, playground equipment, bookshelves and art supplies.

Information on learning more about fair trade commerce, buying retail products, wholesaling opportunities, and donation opportunities can be found on their website.