Lesson 9: Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
Lesson objective
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Describe the concept of conservation of natural resources
Brainstorming Question
- How do you define renewable and non-renewable resources?
- What can you do to take care of natural resources?
Key Terms and Concepts
- Renewable resources
- Non-renewable resources
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle:
Renewable resources are resources that have the potential to be replaced over time through natural processes.
Non-renewable resources are resources whose stock or reserve is limited or fixed, and which are found in the ground.
Minimize the consumption of resources and production of waste by using fewer materials and energy.
Utilize items or materials multiple times before discarding them, thereby extending their life and reducing waste
Process used materials and products to create new ones, diverting waste from landfills and conserving raw resources.
Many types of resources go into producing goods and services. These resources have been broadly classified into two categories: renewable resources and non-renewable resources.
1. Renewable Resources:
Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or replaced through natural processes over time. These include:
- Solar Energy: The sun’s energy is constantly available and can be harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity.
- Wind Energy: The wind, a result of the sun’s heating of the Earth’s surface, can be captured by wind turbines to produce electricity.
- Soil: Soil is a living, dynamic resource that can be replenished through sustainable farming practices, like crop rotation and composting.
- Trees and Forests: Trees and forests can be managed sustainably, with new growth replacing harvested trees.
- Geothermal Energy: The Earth’s internal heat can be tapped to generate renewable electricity or provide heating and cooling.
- Groundwater: Groundwater is replenished through the natural water cycle, as long as it is not over-extracted.
2. Non-Renewable Resources:
Non-renewable resources are those with a finite supply, and their availability is limited. Examples include:
- Fossil Fuels: Oil, natural gas, and coal are formed over millions of years and are considered non-renewable.
- Metals: Metals like iron, aluminum, and copper are extracted from the Earth’s crust and have a limited supply.
- Minerals: Minerals, such as gold, silver, and diamonds, are also found in finite quantities within the Earth’s crust.
Conservation of natural resources
Both renewable and nonrenewable natural resources are crucial. Conservation and careful use of natural resources are vital for our future.
To conserve both renewable and non-renewable resources, we can follow the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”:
- Reduce: Minimize the use of resources by adopting energy-efficient practices, like turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and using public transportation or carpooling.
- Reuse: Find ways to reuse items, such as repurposing plastic containers, donating or selling used goods, and using rechargeable batteries.
- Recycle: Separate and collect items that can be recycled, like paper, glass, metals, and certain plastics, and send them to recycling facilities.
Remember, by understanding the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources and practicing conservation, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet and its resources.