A Tiny Shop Making A Big Difference In Its Community
Talking zero-waste, climate organizing and more with Jason Hine, owner of The Ditty Bag
Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to send this newsletter or not this week. The horrific playing out in Ukraine. The world feeling more in crisis than normal. Yet, amidst the conversations I've recently had, the one thing that everyone kept coming back to was the power of individuals.
Change seldom happens all at once; it's in small steps like finding one product that makes a difference or having a conversation with someone working to create a better world. Jason Hine opened up The Ditty Bag as a shop that helps people reduce their use of single-use products while getting people to think about the climate and act. Jason, a father of two, is quick to point out he's not a politician or a businessman but rather one person concerned about something, determined enough to make a difference to take a chance. It felt like a critical reminder this week that our actions do matter.
Jason and I chatted recently IN PERSON (yes, I'm yelling because it's so amazing to have a cup of coffee with someone in person) about the shop, climate organizing and more. It's been edited for length and clarity.
Why did you decide to open up the store?
Jason: I'm worried about climate change as a parent. I've read the science. I've read the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports, and it's just devastating. I have two kids, and the world as they know it will not be anywhere near as it is now. Now, I could bury my head in the sand and just get really depressed, but that would suck. So I thought, well, I'm here on Earth now. I didn't create climate change, but I can help with it; if I can and make a sustainable living doing it, I'll be happier.
How do you decide on the products you offer?
Jason: For all of the products I offer, I think: will it help me be a sustainable business, help a customer live more sustainably, and help the community I live in to be more sustainable. If it meets any of those, I'll sell it.
Take these seed pops; they encourage kids to go outside and play, grow things and capture carbon. All of the toys we sell are handmade wood, no plastic. The spices, teas and other foods are bulk, bring your own container, so we're not wasting plastic which is a huge contributor to climate change.
Everything goes back to the mission, even the coffee. I never wanted to open up a coffee shop, but the coffee is part of the organizing. You didn't come here to have coffee, but we're having coffee and talking about climate.
It's so hard to break the habit of disposable products, especially when you have kids; what are some tips you have for helping parents and their kids use more sustainable options?
Jason: I try to lead by example. I try to do as much thinking about it for them as possible. My kids were 10 and 13 when I opened the store, so I'll bring products home and sort of leave them out so they'll try them. Hoping that they'll feel good about what we're doing as a family and then talk about it naturally with others like, "oh geez, we always use these reusable paper towels or get this protein powder in a zero-waste container." It's tricky. Honestly, it can be hard to sell; it's combating ingrained habits, but now and then, they get curious about something. It's planting little seeds.
So let's switch gears a little bit and talk about your activism work. What is the Climate Emergency Act, and why are you trying to pass it?
Jason: I'm not a legislator, but I joined the Citizens' Climate Lobby several years ago and learned a lot. Several cities in Connecticut have already declared a climate emergency, so that's one of the things we're trying to do on the state level. It's an admission, the first step. Then we talk about what will happen next. On the national level, the Citizens' Climate Lobby is working on carbon fees, which we're also talking about on the state and local levels.
What are some tips you have for people that want to get involved in climate activism and organizing within their own communities?
Jason: I would recommend several things for somebody who's never been involved. One is to do a search of what organizations already exist. You do not have to reinvent the wheel. See what groups are already organizing and give them help because they sometimes just need help to get off the ground. And make small donations to those groups when you can.
The other thing I like is coffee groups, or as I call them, brainstorm sessions. Sit and chat with people. So much comes out of people coming together over coffee or beers, wine or whatever. Get a friend or two together and say, 'hey, I got a question about this...'
And finally, one thing I've learned is to think about climate change solutions as you would think about the stock market. Experts tell you to diversify your portfolio, so it's not a complete failure if one thing tanks. It's the same with climate. You have to be invested in several things. If this Climate Emergency Act fails, we have a backup plan, but it's also far from the only legislation we're working on right now. Our eggs can't be in one basket; you have to keep filling that basket with more eggs. It's hard to get depressed when there's all this hope and other eggs.
What are some of the things giving you hope right now?
Jason: When I opened the store, I set myself up to be surrounded by hope. I still have bad days and good days, but I don't feel alone. The most hopeful thing is being on the front lines and seeing a growing community of concerned citizens and activists show up.
Hoping you find some pockets of unexpected joy,
Bridget
Published: How to Prepare Sustainable and Economical Meals, According to Beloved Vegetarian Cook Anna Jones for Martha Stewart.
Reading: I'm about halfway through Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson and love the melody of the writing. Also this from Emily Atkin on resilience and ways to help the people of Ukraine.
Working: Finishing up a piece for Parents on Science Moms, starting to talk to beekeepers for a story on backyard beekeeping for Modern Farmer and planning out a piece on seed libraries for Civil Eats.