JustGoodness.co is a platform that sells a curated collection of ethically sourced, sustainable, and eco-friendly products. They will be hosting their first-ever garden market this Saturday (6) from 3 to 7 p.m. at Honeycomb Creative Spaces, Kotte.
Speaking to JustGoodness.co CEO Shehani Rasaputra, she explained that the market will be managed only by the staff at JustGoodness.co to ensure the safety of their customers. “The point is to be able to allow customers to conveniently and safely purchase their everyday essentials. We are laying it out in a way where unlike supermarkets, where hundreds of people come in and out on a daily basis, we will curate the event in a way where customers can socially distance.” Keeping true to their values, JustGoodness takes the health and safety of their customers to heart offering them a safe space to shop, alongside safe alternatives for their lives as well.
At the market, guests can enjoy over 40 varieties of organic-certified, fresh vegetables and fruits; zero-waste cleaning goods like hand wash, dish wash, laundry powders, and floor cleaners; safe and non-toxic skin and hair products; delicious and healthy snacks and groceries; and exciting food and juice vendors. Rasaputra explained that the products are in line with the values of JustGoodness; natural sustainability and eco-friendliness. “Everything that you could need in your home for a healthier alternative will be available at the market.”
Noting that all the brands under JustGoodness are made in Sri Lanka, Rasaputra highlighted the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs, especially in such tough times. “Right now, we carry over 90 different local brands that we support.” She also stated that there are so many different sustainable options in the country that are available, adding that whenever customers visit their pick-up point, they are always shocked because many are under the impression that these products are available locally, as we are so used to imported products being of higher quality. “That’s really not the case. It’s time that we give the same opportunities that we do to imported brands, to locally manufactured goods in order to support them and the country.”
Taking us through the creation of JustGoodness, she intoned: “The reason I started this platform is because when I was pregnant, I couldn’t find products that were natural or sustainable that I could use for my family and soon-to-be son.” She added that she ended up having to import products, spending exorbitant amounts, not just on the product itself, but on customs. “I remember thinking that, that was ridiculous. All I wanted was to live a little bit better because I’m bringing a child into the world, and that’s where the inspiration came from.”
Touching on their values and the importance of being sustainable, Rasaputra said: “First of all, there is a need to understand that sustainability is not just about not buying plastic. It’s a really holistic concept where one needs to understand that it takes into consideration – for example – if you take a soap, we need to take into consideration what the soap is packaged in, what the soap is made out of, and how it’s made.” She explained that even if a product is plastic free, we need to know if it’s packed full of chemicals that could harm your body, and when washed off, flow into the water supply and eventually harm the marine lives, leaving a bad effect on the world as a whole; that’s what being sustainable is all about.
The entire concept of this market is to offer customers products that are good for the environment as well as for us. “Sustainability is about making sure we are safe, the waters are safe, and the earth is safe. It’s about human rights; we have the right to clean water and food. That is what we offer.”
Talking about the plans she has for JustGoodness, she stated: “Right now what we are trying to do is create a movement. We want to make it easier for people to find these products and make it accessible islandwide.” She added that their platform also offers islandwide delivery.
Commenting on her hopes for the platform, she said they are simply trying to support families on their journey to sustainability and a healthy lifestyle.
Website: www.justgoodness.co
