Natural resources A natural resource is a material that is found in nature that is essential or useful to people.

Resources from the environment Millions of years ago, small organisms died and were buried under layers of sediments. Over time, under the intense pressure of rocks, the remains formed crude oil.

To get the oil people drill through layers of rocks.

Resources from the environment Forests provide lumber and paper products.

Resources from the environment Drinking water comes from rivers and lakes and from water that collects under ground.

Resources from the environment The energy of water rushing through hydroelectric dams is used to generate electricity.

Resources from the environment Soil is another important resource. Plants need the water and nutrients they get from the soil to grow.

Resources from the environment Animals are important food resources. Beef and dairy cattle produce meat and milk.

Managing resources A non renewable resource is a one that can’t be replaced within a human lifetime. Coal, oil, natural gas and metals are non renewable resources. Soil is a non renewable resource. It can take a thousand year for a thin layer of soil to be formed.

Managing resources Renewable resources are the ones that can be replaced within a human lifetime. Animals and plants are renewable resources. Trees are renewable resources.

Managing resources Conservation is the careful use of resources so that they will last as long as possible. Conservation of some resources is important because their supply is limited.

Managing resources Recycle is to process used products into new products by using the material again. Reduce using less of a resource helps conserve it. Reuse is to use items again and again after their original use.