List of Renewable Resources

Compiling a list of renewable resources is a useful way to understand more about the products that we buy and consume every day.

We live very much in a consumer society. Just think of the items that we buy and throw away every day – from plastic bags to food packaging, from paper envelopes through to cardboard boxes – this list goes on and on. Every time we buy or use a product that is made from nonrenewable resources, that is a tiny piece of our planet that can never be replaced. As the number and amount of resources that we use grow, so does the irreversible effect that we have on our planet. One of the solutions (besides consuming less and recycling more) is to think about renewable resources and buying or using products that can easily be renewed.

There are many definitions of renewable resources, however the main principle is that what ever is used can be replaced in a sustainable fashion. Therefore energy sources that are grown such as wood and biomass or derived from the weather or nature are completely renewable. The use of a resource needs to be sustainable and managed.

Keeping a list of renewable resources is a useful way to learn more about the environment and what steps we can take to help manage it better. Some of the main renewable resources include:

Wood is one of the main renewable resources. Many countries now have policies that clearly state how the supply of wood and timber is to be managed. This is to help protect the remaining areas of forest from the ravages of industry and deforestation. Trees play an important part in the environment and it is important that levels of trees and other plantations are maintained. Other ways that we can help to preserve and manage our use of wood and paper products is to recycle paper whereever possible. This both reduces the call on virgin materials and also reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills.

Energy that is derived from the sun is a completely renewable resource. Unlike energy that comes from the burning of fossil fuels and is therefore completely nonrenewable, solar energy can be renewed during the hours of sunlight. This is an effective energy source and one that is gaining in popularity. Many countries are increasing the proportion of solar energy that they consume and this will continue to grow.

Wind energy is another alternative energy source which is completely renewable. Wind powered generators create energy that can be used instead of energy that comes from nonrenewable resources. This helps to preserve the world's supply of fuels as well as reducing our dependency on oil.

Biomass is the name given to plants that are grown as an energy source. These plants are grown and harvested in a sustainable manner and are renewable. Fuel from biomass is used for many things, including providing the fuel for new generation cars and vehicles.

There are several websites that offer detailed information about different forms of energy and resources available. These can make an excellent source of information for people interested in researching the subject further. These websites include:

• Eco Pros – lots of information for school age children, including quizzes
• Oregon.gov – there is a lot of detailed and relevant information that will be useful to many people and not just those residents in Oregon
• U.S. Department of Energy – very detailed information about renewable resources

Keeping a list of renewable resources and thinking about what we are consuming every day will help us better understand what we can do to help protect the environment.

• Ways to Prevent Global Warming
• 50 Specific Actions of Green Living
• Examples of Sustainable Development

• United States Recycling Statistics
• Types of Pollution
• Air Pollution Statistics
• Effects of Water Pollution
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels

• Carbon Cycle Activity
• Carbon Cycle Steps
• Environmentally Friendly Homes
• Coral Reef Destruction
• List of Environmental Problems