Prevention Pioneers: Melissa Wenzel’s ReStore Impact

Some people talk about sustainability—Melissa Wenzel lives it. 

As the Built Environment Sustainability Administrator at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Melissa works closely with organizations like Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore to create solutions for a more sustainable future. This professional connection quickly evolved into a personal passion.

"I fell in love with the mission and the work that ReStore does," Melissa explains. "I support buying used almost everything. I think everything in my house except for my bed and my sofa is used, and I prefer that." 

For Melissa, it all began with a simple tool purchase.

Tools That Build Independence

A hammer might seem like a simple buy, but for Melissa, it meant something more. "I kept the price tag on there deliberately," she shares. "I remember where that hammer came from and just how that gave me a sense of being able to do things on my own."

When Melissa moved into her new home, she had to start from scratch with home maintenance supplies. Rather than buying new, she went straight to the New Brighton ReStore. 

"I bought used tools, and that felt really good. I didn't have to buy new, and I didn't want to buy new because I know how expensive tools are." She learned that ReStore wasn't just about the deals—it was about finding everything she needed to make her house a home.

What's in ReStore

ReStore’s shelves surprised her. 

"I've taken pictures of some beautiful chandeliers that are just glistening in the sun," she shares, reflecting on her time spent window-shopping. "I think people would be really surprised by the quality of what they actually see.”

Making Statewide Impact Through Local Choices

Melissa discovered ReStore’s far-reaching impact when she mapped their locations across Minnesota. "I didn't know how many there were," she shares, saying that 12 locations now serve as community hubs for sustainable building practices across the state.

"For me, as a sustainability statewide coordinator, those things are really important to me, to really showcase that there are opportunities throughout the state that can benefit Minnesotans." 

Through her work, Melissa has seen how each ReStore location creates ripples of positive change.

Stories Behind the Purchase

Melissa now views each item on ReStore’s shelves differently since she learned about material lifespans.

"When I think about wood furniture that's a hundred years old, I think about the tree that took a hundred years to grow," she says. "The idea that these materials can have such a long life, that they still have more life to give—that's what makes reuse so powerful."

"Even though this is my day job, I think about this on a regular basis," Melissa shares. "It still blows my mind how impactful each purchase is." Each visit to ReStore reinforces what she's always known—small choices make lasting change.

See the impact for yourself at Twin Cities ReStore.