Resources

Module 1- Resources

Chapter 1-Introduction 

1. Different types of resources

On the basis of availability, natural resources are classified as:
1. Renewable resources
2. Non renewable resources
Renewable resources
Solar radiation, wind, tide, deep earth heat etc. are examples of renewable resources.
Non renewable resources

The resources which can be renewed along with their exploitation and always available for use are called as renewable resources.

The formation of some resources like Iron ore, mineral oil, coal, petrol, diesel etc. are taken several thousand years. Once they are used in unlimited way, they cannot be easily replaced. Thus, exploitation at large scale result in their fast depletion. Such resources are called non renewable resources.

2. Difference between renewable and non-renewable resources

Renewable Resources
1.    Abundant in nature
2.    Can be easily replenished
3.    Environmental friendly
4.    Not available continuously but intermittently which make the energy production difficult
5.    High cost of installation and maintenance make the energy conversion costlier
6.    Examples are: Solar radiation, Wind, Tide, Deep earth heat
Non-renewable resources
1.    Available in limited quantity
2.    If depleted, it will take thousands of years for their renewal
3.    Usage pollute the environment
4.    Energy conversion is easy as it can be stored easily
5.    Economical for short term use
6.    Examples are: minerals and fossil fuels

3. Role of individuals in conservation of natural resources

1. Protection is better than cure
2. Practice Reduce, reuse and recycle policy

Understand that protecting the environment is economically more viable than clean it up after it is damaged.

Reduce, reuse & recycle is the slogan for the campaign to conserve resources

Reduce

Reduce means cut down the use of natural resources. Some of the rules which must be practiced is given:

Switch off light, fan and other appliances when not in use

Use solar heaters for cooking

Dry the cloth in sunlight instead of using dryers

Use always pressure cookers

Use always pressure cookers

Grow trees near house to get cool breeze instead of using AC and air coolers

Walk or bicycle instead of using motor vehicles

Prefer electric vehicles to cut down fuel and pollution

Use minimum water for all domestic purposes

Use drip irrigation

Reuse

Reuse means use an item again for the same function or for a new function. Some ways of reusing resources includes:

Use reusable bags when shopping

Install rain water harvesting system in buildings and houses

Use purified sewage water for watering public parks, irrigation etc.

Recycle

Recycling involves processing used or damaged materials to make it suitable for other uses. Some of the recyclable materials are:

Glass, plastic, paper, metals etc.

Public awareness

Along with practicing the rules own, it is required to make awareness to the public. The following actions shall be taken:

Work to make public awareness

Act as watch dogs to inform government about the sources that lead to pollution and degradation of  the environment

Influence the government authorities to make green policies.

Join local groups and movements to support activities like saving trees, nature trucking, recycling waste etc.

Buy environmental friendly products.