Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources
Have you ever wondered why some resources are better for the planet than others? The answer lies in whether they're renewable or non-renewable!
Renewable resources can be naturally replaced within our lifetime. They're usually more environmentally friendly and cost less to produce. Things like sunlight, wind, and forests are renewable because they naturally replenish themselves quickly when we use them responsibly.
Non-renewable resources exist in limited amounts and take millions of years to form. Once we use them up, they're gone! Oil, coal, and natural gas are non-renewable - they form so slowly that once we use our current supply, we won't have more for millions of years.
Our most important natural resources include clean air for breathing, soil for growing food, water for drinking, iron for building, and forests for clean air and homes for wildlife. Each of these plays a crucial role in our daily lives.
Take action! Recycling just one ton of paper saves approximately 17 trees and uses 50% less energy than making new paper!
Humans depend on natural resources for everything we do - from the food we eat to the homes we live in. By recycling, reusing, and being careful with how much we consume, we can help protect these valuable resources for the future.