Jul 12, 2010

Fair Trade, shared space in OlympiaBy Lisa PembertonTheNewsTribune.com

Olympia, WA – Traditions Café & World Folk Art closed more than an hour ago. Still, owner Dick Meyer motions in a couple of people who were peeking through the windows.

The shop is geared to both the curious and the socially conscious, and features “fair trade” products by craftspeople, artisans and growers from more than 60 countries.

Fair trade is a social movement and a business practice that ensures growers and workers in developing countries better prices, safer working conditions and a chance to improve their lives. “The nature of fair trade relations is, when you treat people with fairness, you get quality,” Meyer said.

His work day often begins at 5 a.m., when he drives to pick up food for his cafe from the Antique Sandwich Co. in Ruston, which is owned by his partner of 33 years, Tamie Herridge and her sister Shirley. The beloved natural food restaurant near Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is where Traditions Fair Trade, as it was known back then, got its start in 1993.

After working in the shop and cafe all day, it’s not unusual for Meyer to stay after to help with a concert or special event.

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