Non Renewable Resources

The use of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, is the number one contributor to global warming.

Non-renewable resources are energy sources that we use and consume faster then nature produces them. Fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, take centuries to form naturally, and crude oil takes millions of years to form. These resources are not infinite and over time, most experts believe they will cease to exist. Here are some scary facts regarding non-renewable energy according to The Ecologist, based on current worldwide consumption rates :

• The natural gas supply will run out within the next 35 years.
• Within 70 years the world's current oil reserves will be gone – If the current rate of consumption continues for oil, the supply is predicted to run out within the next 14 years.

Not only is the scarcity of these resources a global problem, the resulting pollution of using fossil fuels is as well.

When most of us think about non-renewable resources, the first thing we think about is fossil fuels. Though these fossil fuel energy sources are the most widely publicized, there are other resources that are slowly running out such as:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Silver
• Gold
• Diamonds

Once people mine these materials, they cannot be replaced at a sustainable rate.

When fossil fuels burn, they release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and sulfur oxides into the earth's atmosphere. The combination of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons forms smog. This smog, which is clearly visible over large cities, can lead to:

• Lung irritation
• Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat
• Worsen existing respiratory and heart conditions
• Shortness of breath
• Permanent lung damage over time

Aside from air pollution, extracting and transporting oil has, in the past, lead to oil spills and slicks, polluting the waters and damaging the natural environments around the slicks and spills. In addition, strip mining, the extraction method from coal, not only leaves the area barren, but the minerals around the coal itself are acidic. These minerals are left behind after mining, leaving the area completely polluted and preventing the ability for new vegetation to grow.

Unfortunately, until viable, sustainable and renewable energy sources are developed, the use of non-renewable energy sources remains a necessity. Just as unfortunate, experts predict the coming of peak oil production will happen within the next 30 years. After that occurs, the world oil production is expected to experience a sharp decline. When that happens, it is predicted that the global economy will tailspin into a worldwide recession.

In recent years, consumer's attitudes toward the use of non-renewable energy sources have been undergoing a significant shift. More people are finally beginning to realize that damaging effects non-renewable fossil fuels have on the environment and are beginning to take active measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Many of these activities are easy and don't require a major lifestyle change like:

• Turning off the lights when leaving a room.
• Adding solar panels to homes as an energy source.
• Installing only high efficiency appliances in their homes.
• Recycling – Simply separating out recyclables like paper, cardboard, plastic and glass not only keeps these products out of landfills, but also means that non-renewable energy isn't used to produce more of these products.
• Driving less and participating in carpooling for work and school – the less fuel you use, the less pollution you release into the atmosphere.
• Opting for reusable cloth grocery bags as opposed to disposable paper or plastic bags.
• Buying hybrid gas/electric cars – Plastic is a petroleum byproduct. Although paper is made from trees, some trees that are cut down for the purpose of making paper take anywhere from 25 to 100 years to mature before they can be harvested again. Fortunately, in many countries there are laws governing sustainable forestry.
• Using Compact Florescent Lightbulbs (CFL) in their homes – CFL bulbs use up to 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.

All these things and more reduce the use (and therefore the need) for non-renewable energy sources.

• 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

• Sustainable Living Homestead
• Urban Self Sufficiency
• Alternative Fuel for Farming
• What is Free Trade and Fair Trade
• Alternative Energy Sources