Plastic-free for the planet

By Rosemary Ostfeld, PhD
Photos by Ling Messer
Copyright © 2025 Edible CT EAST

You may wonder, what is a ditty bag? Since the 1700s, sailors have used canvas ditty bags made from used sails to store personal items and tools. This example of admirable resourcefulness served as the namesake for The Ditty Bag Zero-Waste Market and Café in Mystic, Connecticut.

“The Ditty Bag Zero-Waste Market and Café is a little store with a big mission,” states Jason Hine, the owner and founder. “Our mission is to help our community reduce its plastic use and lower its carbon footprint.” For any new product or activity, Jason thoughtfully determines if it helps with the mission. This values-based decision making helps the small business stay aligned with its north star: conserving the environment…