Natural resource normally refers to things in their original unrefined state. Things such as wood, oil, wind, sunshine, water in rivers, ponds and seas. They are thought to be of great value in their unchanged state. Natural resources can be divided into two categories renewable and non-renewable.
Renewable
Renewable resources are those that are not totally consumed or in other words chemically transformed to a way that it can not be restored quickly to its original form. It has to be able to replenish at a rate relative to or more quickly than the rate of its consumption.
An example would be wind. When wind is used to turn a wind turbine, no matter how much wind is used to turn the turbine the wind will not become something else so we can say it is renewable. Another example is water. When you drink water. The water is eventually passed out as sweat or urine where it quickly re-enters the atmosphere and evaporates to eventually become water again. Other renewable resources include sunshine and forest products such as paper and plywood (if produced in an ethical manner).
Non-Renewable
Non-renewable resources include fossil fuel oil with derived products such as diesel, coal, natural gas and gasoline. When consumed these products are chemically changed to substances which are impossible to recombine in a way that will give back the starting ingredient. When used they help to deplete the environment causing more harm than good.
Value of a natural resource
The value of a natural resource is determined by its uses and the abundance of it. Oil and minerals used to produce minerals are two of the most used materials in the manufacturing industry. The most essential natural resources to life are water and air. Much should be done to preserve them.
Save more at the pumps
by running your car on water
