|
Earth's natural resources are very important to our lives. All of the products
we use have a natural resource base. Minerals, forest products, water, and soil
are just a few of the natural resources humans use to produce energy and
products people use. Some natural resources
can be reproduced within a few years or decades. These are called renewable
resources. Trees are an example of a renewable resource. Oil, minerals, and soil
take hundreds, thousands and even millions of years to be made. These are called
non-renewable resources.
 It
is very important we use renewable and
non-renewable resources wisely. If a resource is
used and thrown away, eventually the resource
becomes scarce. When the supply dwindles, its
price will increase. Products that are made from
that resource would increase in price too.
Wise use of resources includes not throwing away products that are reusable
or recyclable. When these products are reused or recycled, it maintains resource
availability, uses less landfill space, and uses less energy.
Sometimes resources become so rare they can no longer be used. In these
cases, substitute resources may be used, which may make a poorer quality
product, or one that is more expensive. If substitutes can not be used, some
products could no longer be made. If this happens more within our generation
and we run out of natural resources, we will have to find new ways of life.
Sources: Environmental
Awareness |
