The health of our planet is one of our favourite topics over at PAMA London! Due to our avid interest in this topic, it is something we read about, talk about and spread information about often. However, we realise that not everyone will have absorbed quite as much information on the topic as we have. That is why today we want to get back to basics and share a few key concepts about the earth, its resources, and how we can all work together to protect the planet!
Earth’s Natural Resources
The earth has several natural resources that can be utilised in many different ways. For example, air, water and soil are considered to be natural resources, as are plants. But we also consider raw materials, such as minerals found in the earth, to be natural resources also.
The natural resources of the earth will usually be broken down into renewable resources, non-renewable resources and flow resources.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are generally considered to be living things, and therefore are able to replenish themselves. However, this is only the case when the conditions are conducive to doing so. For example, when areas are over-harvested it is likely that they will not renew properly, or to the same level as before.
Non-Renewable Resources
As the name would suggest, non-renewable resources can not be replaced once they have been used up! Fossil-fuels are the most obvious non-renewable resources, as well as coal and petroleum. Unfortunately, several industries currently rely heavily on the use of these resources. This is a driving factor towards global efforts to develop renewable energy from natural sources.
Flow Resources
Flow resources, also known as flow renewable resources, include wind power, solar power and tidal power. These sources are all renewable, but they do not depend on any additional factors in order to continue regenerate.
Natural Resources
Finding ways to lower our own use of traditional power sources and embracing natural resources is a great way that we can make a difference as individuals.
If you drive then it is likely that you are using non-renewable resources, as petrol and diesel are made from crude oil, which is a fossil fuel. Petrol and diesel are not only going to run out one day, but also pollute the environment. Making as many journeys as you can on foot, by bike, or with the use of public transport, is a good way to limit your input to the overconsumption of fossil fuels.
The sun is arguably the most exciting natural resource that we can utilise in the home. For example, we can hang our laundry out to be dried by the sun instead of using electricity for the tumble dryer. We can grow our own fruits and vegetables in the garden with the nourishment of the sun instead of always buying food from the supermarket.
The food on the shelves will likely have endured a long journey from the place it was grown to the place that it is sold, which requires a combination of resources. You can also try discarding your raw food waste into a compost bin to be used in the growth of your garden plants. In doing so, you could cut down your kitchen waste by as much as 30%! You may also wish to collect your own rain water to water your plants with.
Protecting the Planet
The choices that you make every day in regards to the resources that you consume can help you to protect the planet. Learning more about renewable resources can help you to be better informed to make these decisions and to contribute on a greater scale to the ongoing health of earth!
