Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources M5/3 No.10 25 32 36

Renewable Resources Renewable resources are resources that are replenished by the environment over relatively short periods of time. This type of resource is much more desirable to use because often a resource renews so fast that it will have regenerated by the time you've used it up.

Examples of Renewable Resources Wind power - Used to make electricity and mechanical energy. There are wind turbines from residential homes to wind farms.  Landfill gas, or methane - Can be used for heat and power

Solar energy - Energy from the sun Solar energy - Energy from the sun. The sun can be used to charge batteries, can be collected with solar cells to make electricity, or used passively to heat a building.

Non-Renewable Resources non-renewable resources are resources that are not easily replenished by the environment. Let's think about this in terms of that ice cube maker again. Imagine that this time you don't have an automatic ice maker at home, you have to wait for someone to bring it to you, and they only do this once a month.

Examples of Non Renewable Resources Crude Oil/Petroleum Crude oil is a non-renewable resource that builds up in liquid form between the layers of the Earth’s crust. It is retrieved by drilling deep into the ground and pumping the liquid out. The liquid is then refined and used to create many different products. Crude oil is a very versatile fuel and is used to produce things like plastics, artificial food flavorings, heating oil, petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and propane. Coal Coal is the last of the major fossil fuels. Created by compressed organic matter, it is solid like rock and is obtained via mining. Out of all countries, China produces the most coal by far. According to the Statistical Review of World Energy, published in 2011 by BP, they produced an astounding 48.3% (3,240 million tons) of the world’s coal in 2010, followed by the United States who produced a mere 14.8%.

Advantages and Disadvantages Renewable Advantages Disadvantages Renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators. Their fuel being derived from natural and available resources reduces the costs of operation. One disadvantage with renewable energy is that it is difficult to generate the quantities of electricity that are as large as those produced by traditional fossil fuel generators. Non Renewable The mining of non-renewable energy and the by-products they leave behind causes damage to the environment. There is little doubt that fossil fuels contribute to global warming. The main advantages of non-renewable energies is that they are abundant and affordable.

Easy Ways To Save The Environment Buy only as much as you will eat. This will help to reduce waste and the over-production of food which will save natural resources and habitats. It will also save you money. Replace plastic whenever possible. Start with using glass bottles instead of plastic bottles for example. Turn of any lights and electronics when they are not being used.  Don’t let water run when you don’t use it. For example while brushing your teeth or when you shampoo your hair. It will save a lot of water! Recycle and use recycled products. Plant a tree. Trees clean our air and create oxygen. This is a great way to compensate for the pollution of our environment.