Resource – Substances we utilise in our daily life to make things of our need are called resources.
For example, to prepare a meal we need food, water, utensils and a source of heat.
The food and water, the metals from which utensils are made and the fuel burnt to produce heat are all resources.
The resources that we get from the nature are called natural resources.
Plants, animals, air, water, minerals, soil; fossil fuels are some of the natural resources.
Types of natural resources: Natural resources can be classified into two groups –
Renewable resources
Non-renewable resources
Renewable Resources – The resources which either never get exhausted or are replaced naturally within a specific period are called renewable resources.
For example, sunlight is a renewable resource because it will never get exhausted.
Similarly water, wind and forests are other renewable resources.
Sun
Sun is the main source of energy.
The sun’s energy is converted into chemical substances which are stored in different parts of the plants.
This energy is passed on to us through plants.
The sun’s energy is also called solar energy.
These days solar energy is being used as an alternative source of energy, which does not pollute the environment.
Solar energy is stored in solar cells or solar panels and is used in many ways, like running fans and operating cars.
Water
Life cannot exist without water.
It not only provides life to all, it is also a clean source of energy.
The energy of running water is used for generating electricity.
This is done by building dams across the rivers.
Wind
The energy of wind can be used to generate electricity, to draw underground water and operate flour mills.
Wind energy can be put to use with the help of windmills.
Forests
A forest is a large area of land that is thickly covered with trees.
Trees give out oxygen, which is necessary for all living beings.
They purify the air.
Forests are a very important resource because we get many useful things like fruits, medicines and timber from them.
Non-Renewable Resources – Resources which cannot be replenished in the near future are called non–renewable resources.
These are limited and will be exhausted one day due to their extensive use.
These resources include coal, petroleum and minerals.
These resources take millions of years to form.
Coal and Petroleum
We get coal and petroleum from under the ground.
Coal and petroleum are formed by the remains of plants and animals that got buried under the ground millions of years ago.
Due to heat and pressure, these dead plants and animals converted into coal and petroleum.
They are used as a fuel for vehicles and industry in the form of petrol, diesel etc.; a domestic fuel in the form kerosene and gas to cook, a raw materials to make plastics, paints, fertilizers, petroleum jelly and clothing.
These fuels take millions of years to be formed.
But the rate at which they are being used would result in their shortage.
The sad part is that we refuse to see how important it is to use them judiciously and wisely.
Minerals
Minerals are substances found naturally in the earth.
They make up the rocks that cover the earth.
Many metals can be obtained from minerals.
Minerals from which metals can be obtained are called ores.
Minerals are very useful in our daily life.
Metals are used for making many useful things like pipes, cylinders, chains, nuts, tools Different types of minerals and railway Iracks, stainless steel utensils and other things.
Some precious minerals are used as gems.
Some minerals are also required by our body in small quantities.
Soil
Soil is the uppermost layer of the earth.
All plants grow in the soil and provide us life giving gas oxygen with fruits, vegetables, fire wood, timber etc.
Soil provides nutrients that help plants to grow.
Conservation of natural resources
Resources are vital for us.
We totally depend on them for our survival.
Therefore they need to be conserved.
The wise and economic use of resources is called their conservation.
Some of the measures to conserve our resources are given below.
Forests
Forests can be conserved by planting more trees and preventing forest fires. Some other measures to protect forests are given below.
Send newspapers and cardboards for recycling.
Recycling saves not only trees but also chemicals, energy and water.
Write on both sides of the paper.
Collect scrap papers and reuse them to make useful things like a phone message pad.
Soil
Soil can be conserved by taking following measures.
Planting more trees.
Preventing cutting of trees and overgrazing.
Building dams across the rivers to stop floods.
Water
Water can be conserved by taking following measures.
Turn-off running taps when not in use.
Get leaking taps and pipes repaired.
Don’t keep the tap running while brushing your teeth.
Take short showers.
Use bucket to save water while bathing.
Fuels
Fuels can be conserved by taking following steps.
Turning off lights and electrical appliances when not required.
Walking, cycling or using a car – pool to go to school or office.
It would help to save fuel and reduce air pollution.
Using low energy light bulbs-CFLs (Compact fluorescent lamps).
Recycling the things that are made of metals or plastics.
Using pressure cooker to save gas.
