Show HN: Searchable directory of 22k+ products from worker-owned co-ops (workerowned.info)

Article summary

A searchable directory of over 22,000 products from worker-owned cooperatives has been created, allowing users to find and purchase products from these co-ops. The directory is a static Next.js site with a JSON-backed search and does not require accounts, tracking, or ads. The creator scraped product catalogs from around 60 worker-owned co-op stores to build the directory. The directory also includes a section for finding worker-owned coffee shops, restaurants, and bars by city.

Main themes

• Worker-owned cooperatives
• Ethical consumption
• Democracy in business
• Alternative economic models
• Co-op directories and resources

What commenters say

• Democracy in business, such as in worker-owned cooperatives, can make organizations more ethical by giving members a say in decision-making.
• The creation of a searchable directory of worker-owned cooperatives can make it easier for consumers to support ethical businesses.
• Some argue that democracy in business does not automatically make an organization more ethical, as democratic decisions can still be motivated by harmful ideologies.
• Others believe that the benefits of worker-owned cooperatives, such as diverse retail ecosystems and more equalized power structures, outweigh the potential drawbacks.
• There is a need for more resources and directories to help consumers find and support worker-owned cooperatives and other ethical businesses.
• The challenges of forming and maintaining a co-op venture or business, including access to capital, are significant and require creative solutions.
• Some argue that consumption itself is inherently unethical, regardless of the type of business or organization involved.
• The directory's creator has also developed other tools, such as a website to compare individual compensation to company-wide financials, to promote transparency and fairness in business.