Renewable Vs. Nonrenewable Resources

What Are Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources?

Word of the Week

Hydropower

Hydropower is a renewable energy source that harnesses the energy of naturally flowing water and turns it into electricity!


Dams used to generate hydropower. As water flows through the dam, it spins turbines that generate electricity.

Species Spotlight

Peppered Moth

Biston betularia

The peppered moth is a small insect that is native to many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. They can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America and are very well known for their incredible color change during the Industrial Revolution in the early 1800s.


Like most other moths, the peppered moth is nocturnal! It spends its days hiding on trees to avoid hungry birds. Peppered moths have a dark morph (dark color with white spots) and a light morph (light color with dark spots). Before the Industrial Revolution, there were many more light-colored moths because they were more successful than dark moths! The light-colored moths camouflaged perfectly into light-colored trees and lichen, which helped them to avoid predators. During the Industrial Revolution, dark soot from burning fossil fuels built up in the atmosphere and all around the environment, turning the light-colored trees dark. This made the light-colored moths easier to spot and gave the dark moths a new advantage. Quickly, the light-colored moths disappeared and were replaced by dark-colored moths. This change is one of the most well-documented examples of industrial melanism, the process of an animal becoming darker due to pollutants in the environment.

Learn More
Conservation Corner

How to Access Renewable Energy!

We know that renewable energy, like energy from the sun, wind, and water, is much better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, but how do we access this renewable energy? Unfortunately, it is not always the easiest (or cheapest) option, but there are still ways to incorporate renewable energy into your lives. Don't forget - we have power as consumers)!

  1. Buy products from companies that use renewable energy or have carbon-neutral options.
  2. Write to companies or brands that you commonly buy from to let them know using renewable energy will encourage you to buy their products.
  3. See if it is possible to install solar panels where you live!
  4. If renewable energy is not currently available in your area, write to your local government to let them know how important it is to you.
BRAIN BLAST

Think of a brand you love! It could be clothes, toys, shoes, cosmetics, or just about anything else.


Research the company to determine if they are using sustainable methods. Do they offer carbon-neutral shipping? Do they take back old items to recycle? Do they use renewable energy?


If they do use sustainable methods, write a letter to tell them you appreciate their choices and will continue to support their products.


If they do not use sustainable methods, write a little to tell them you will have to look elsewhere for your products unless they make a change.


If you cannot find information on their sustainability methods, write them to find out!

Natural Resources

Organize the renewable and nonrenewable resources below.

Natural Resources Printable

Renewable Resources Challenge

For this challenge you will need...


  • Construction paper or poster board
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape


Organize each natural resource below as a renewable or nonrenewable resource.

Resources

Glossary

Atmosphere

The layers of gases held in place by gravity that surround the Earth.

Climate Change

A change in global weather patterns as a result of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Effect

Heat from the sun trapped near the Earth's surface by harmful gases in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gas

A gas largely produced by burning nonrenewable resources that traps heat near the Earth's surface. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases are all greenhouse gases.

Fossil Fuel

Nonrenewable natural resources that were created from ancient dead plant and animal matter (that contain carbon) by extreme geological processes.

Natural Resources

Materials that come from the earth, atmosphere, or even the sun. Water, wood, and coal are all examples of natural resources.

Nonrenewable Energy

Energy produced from natural resources that are replenished at a much slower rate than they are used. Some nonrenewable resources can take millions of years to form. 

Ocean Acidification

The process of the ocean becoming more acidic (containing more carbon dioxide) as it absorbs excess carbon from the atmosphere.

Pollution

Toxins or other harmful substances that have entered the environment and are harming the natural world.

Renewable Energy

Energy produced from natural resources that are replenished at the same rate (or faster!) than we can use it. Wind and solar are common example of renewable energy.

Sustainability

The act of advancing as humans while working to have a positive impact on the natural world.

Share by: