Natural Resources Overview

Earth's Natural Resources

• Natural resources are resources found in nature that living things use. This includes things like:
  • water
  • forests
  • fossil fuels
  • minerals
  • plants
  • animals
  • air

Types of Natural Resources

• Renewable Resources: Can be easily replaced in a short period of time.
• Non-Renewable Resources: Take a very long time to form.

Examples of Renewable Resources

Animals

• Animals provide valuable products like:
  • food (eggs, meat, fish, cheese, milk, honey)
  • materials for clothing (cashmere fiber, silk fiber)

Plants

• Plants provide us with:
  • food (fruits, vegetables, rice, flour)
  • medicines
  • materials for furniture and houses

Water

• Every living thing needs water to survive.
• Found in oceans, rivers, lakes, underground, and frozen in glaciers.
• Only a small amount of Earth's water is fresh water.
• Used for drinking, bathing, cleaning, cooking, and keeping bodies hydrated.

Air

• Surrounding Earth is the atmosphere.
• Contains gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Oxygen is needed for breathing.
• Carbon dioxide is needed by plants to make food.
• Air is used for inflating balloons, tires, and creating wind energy.

Examples of Non-Renewable Resources

Soil

• Vital for all life on land.
• Provides habitat for animals.
• Plants grow in soil and use its water and minerals.
• Used for growing crops.

Metals

• Iron is used for bridges and railroads.

Minerals

• Diamonds and gold are used for jewelry.

Fossil Fuels

• Formed deep within the Earth from the remains of ancient animals and plants.
• Heat and pressure over a long period turn them into fuels like:
  • Coal (used for electricity production)
  • Oil (used for gasoline)
  • Natural gas (used for cooking)

Using Natural Resources Wisely

• Earth's natural resources are abundant but can be used up if not used wisely.
• Conservation means using resources wisely.

Ways to Conserve Resources

• Conserve Water:
  • Take quick showers instead of baths.
  • Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth.
• Conserve Fossil Fuels:
  • Ride a bike instead of driving.
  • Open windows for ventilation.
  • Turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Protect Land, Water, and Air:
  • Plant trees.
  • Dispose of chemicals and trash properly.
• Reduce:
  • Buy only what you need.
  • Use everything you buy.
  • Eat all the food on your plate.
  • Think before buying bottled water or juice.