(REE-source)
A community for resourceful,
sustainable living.
Edition 1, June 11, 2026
Welcome to REESORZ Wire - An online digital resource providing content on resourceful and sustainable living for individuals and communities. Our goal is to embrace resourcefulness, empower others, and commit to environmental sustainability by sharing information and knowledge.
If you’re new to REESORZ, check out our website at Reesorz.com or subscribe to the newsletter for free.
In this first edition, get a glimpse of the backstory behind REESORZ, learn the unfortunate facts about e-waste that you can help to change, and take the REESORZ water challenge.
FEATURE ARTICLE
REESORZ has a simple mission - to build a community for resourceful and sustainable living. It’s the brain child of two people, Lisa Hopper and Holly Romero, who have a history of working on humanitarian focused storytelling projects together.
Holly Romero and Lisa Hopper, Tucson, AZ, 2011.
The two first met over 20 years ago when they connected over a common goal of supporting World Care, a non-profit that Lisa began years prior, and it set the stage for years worth of collaboration and shared storytelling. As to the backstory, we’ll let Lisa take you on that journey with her article “The resourceful evolution: a legacy of community, compassion, and change”.
While the two have shared some adventures together, this new one is the exciting culmination of previous experiences and a passion for intentional living. With REESORZ, we’ll offer:
Original and curated content for the resourcefully minded individual who wants to live a rich, intentional and purposeful life.
Stories and ideas on how to be resourceful, and save time and money in your everyday life, with an emphasis on social and environmental responsibility.
A platform that encourages community interaction, engagement and resource sharing centered on resourceful and sustainable living.
We hope you’ll join us on our collective journey to build the REESORZ community. Most importantly, we hope the content we share challenges you to become more resourceful in your own life and community.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS
3 practical takeaways to save money, time, and help others
Reuse and repurpose
Before buying new, look for gently used items like school supplies, medical equipment, or tech. You save money and reduce waste while giving these items a second life to help others in need.Donate thoughtfully
Pass on items you no longer need to local charities or community groups. This not only supports families facing crisis but also saves you time by decluttering responsibly without worrying about landfill impact.Get involved locally
Volunteer your time or skills to help refurbish or distribute donated goods. Your efforts can strengthen community bonds, speed up aid delivery, and create meaningful change without extra cost.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that up to 80% of unrecycled e-waste is either landfilled, incinerated, or shipped overseas for unregulated dismantling? According to the United Nations, many countries import e-waste to recover valuable metals, but this often occurs under unsafe conditions that harm both people and the environment. That’s why your choice to recycle through trusted, local programs is so important!
At REESORZ, we care deeply about protecting the planet and believe everyone can help reduce waste by managing electronics responsibly. E-waste includes discarded devices such as phones, laptops, and TVs. Globally, less than 25% of e-waste is properly recycled, with the remainder polluting ecosystems, being illegally dumped, or sent to countries lacking safe recycling infrastructure.
You have the power to change this. If repair or reuse isn’t an option, recycle through trusted local programs or manufacturer take-back services. Always ask how your e-waste will be handled to ensure it’s processed responsibly. By taking these simple steps, you protect the environment and promote sustainable e-waste management in your community.
Ready to make a real difference? Reesorz recommends RecycleNation.com—one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly recycling databases available today. Whether you’re looking to recycle electronics, household items, or hard-to-dispose-of materials, Recycle Nation makes it simple and accessible. You can easily scan or enter your device model and receive clear, step-by-step instructions on backing up your data, securely wiping your device, and finding the best local options for recycling, donating, or repairing. Plus, their app connects you with community e-waste events and certified recyclers, ensuring your electronics don’t end up in landfills but instead get a second life.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Imagine a community where neighbors share meals, work together on sustainability projects, and support each other’s well-being. These communities create a sense of belonging and purpose that many find deeply fulfilling. Read stories and find examples of such communities on the Foundation for Intentional Community’s website.
Rainforest Alliance: A brief introduction
The Rainforest Alliance founded in 1987 by Daniel Katz, is a global non-profit organization dedicated to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Katz, an environmental activist, co-founded the organization at the age of 24 to address the unsustainable forest crisis and create market-driven solutions for conservation
Rainforests, which cover only 2% of the Earth’s surface but house over 50% of its species, are under threat, with 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation. The Rainforest Alliance combats these challenges by working with over four million farmers and workers in more than 70 countries, offering certification programs for crops like coffee, tea, cocoa, and bananas. These programs ensure adherence to strict environmental, social, and economic standards, promoting sustainable farming practices and water conservation.
By choosing products with the green frog seal, consumers directly support the protection of vital ecosystems and empower local communities.
Summer Safety: Keeping Your Family Cool and Prepared
Stay safe this summer by staying cool! Use fans, wear light clothing, and keep hydrated. Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day and never leave children or pets in parked cars. Preparation can save lives.
Learn more about heat and your health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Turn your “Comfy Chemical Hideout” into a Toxin-Free Chill Zone
Living rooms can be “Comfy Chemical Hideout” because, secretly, it can be full of sneaky toxins. Synthetic rugs can be off-gassing VOCs right under your feet, dusty pillows and blankets welcomed dust mites, and those old CFL bulbs posed a mercury risk if broken. Do you have particleboard furniture? A formaldehyde hotspot. Even scented candles, once cozy, can be releasing chemical fumes thanks to paraffin wax. Old electronics piled up like toxic relics, and HVAC’s dirty filters are basically dust monsters.
So, lets begin by by detoxing. You can swap synthetic rugs for natural wool, jute, and cotton, your feet and lungs instantly thanked you. Washing pillow covers regularly keeps dust mites away. I switched to LED bulbs, safer and energy-efficient. Furniture? Solid wood or second-hand finds with no chemical baggage. Paraffin candles got replaced with soy, beeswax, or coconut wax versions scented with essential oils for a cozy, chemical-free vibe. Old electronics are responsibly recycled, and upgrading air filters every 1–3 months to keep fresh air flowing improve your air quality.
Now, your living room is more toxin-free and way more relaxing. It’s amazing what a little detox can do!
Want to learn more about detoxifying your home? Check out this article by Dr. Frank Lipman.
Summer is here! How are you keeping your family entertained?
Creating fun experiences doesn’t always have to be expensive. Consider exploring a local park, hosting a game night, or even taking a camping trip - in your own backyard! Get creative with these 10 low-cost entertainment ideas for your family and make fun affordable.
REESORZ 26-Week House Detox Challenge
Welcome to the Reesorz 26-Week House Detox Challenge! Over the next 26 weeks, we’ll guide you through simple yet impactful steps to detox your home by removing and replacing items that contribute to indoor pollution or contain harmful chemicals. Each week focuses on a different area or product to help you create a safer, healthier living space. Here's your week-by-week plan with clear explanations of what toxins are being removed and how to replace them with healthier alternatives.
Your home detox journey starts here
By following this challenge, you’ll create a healthier, safer home environment free from harmful toxins. Remember, detoxing your home is a process, so take it step by step. Let us know how your journey is going—together, we can make your home a haven! 🌱
Week 1: Declutter your home
Challenge: Declutter one room or area of your house. Donate or recycle items you don’t use.
What’s being removed: Dust and hidden allergens from cluttered areas.
Replacement tip: Use organizational bins or shelves to keep your spaces clean and dust-free.
PRACTICAL WISDOM FOR YOUR JOURNEY
By embracing resourcefulness and generosity, you contribute to a legacy of compassion that transforms lives and communities—proving small actions can have a big impact!