Resources and the Environment

Natural ResourcesNatural resources are things found in nature

that people can use. Examples: water, soil, and treesFish, deer, and other wild animals are also

natural resources.

MineralsPeople use another kind of natural resource

called minerals. Minerals are substances such as gold, copper, or salt, that is found in the earth.

What do we use minerals for in everyday life?

Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels are fuels formed from the

remains (fossils) of plants and animals that lived thousands of years ago. Examples: coal, oil, and natural gas

Why are these resources so important?

Resources and PeoplePeople have a very big responsibility to take

care of our natural resources.

Why?

Resources and PeopleSome of our resources can be replaced. Others cannot. Once we use them all up, there won’t be any more left!

Renewable ResourcesRenewable Resources are resources that can

be replaced.Trees are renewable resources because we can

plant new trees to replace the ones we use.

Nonrenewable ResourcesNonrenewable resources are resources that

cannot be easily replaced.An example of nonrenewable resources are

fossil fuels.

How will we drive our cars when there is no more gas?

ConservationWe must use our resources very carefully

because we rely on them everyday. We need to make sure there is enough resources for the future!

We protect our resources by conserving them. Conservation is protecting and using resources carefully.

What are some of the ways we conserve our resources?

EnvironmentAnother reason we need to conserve our

resources is because they are a part of our environment.

The environment is made up of all the things that surround us, such as land, water, air, and trees.

All living things rely on their environment. We need clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.

Our National ParksCreating parks is one way to help protect the

environment. National parks are parks that are protected

by the federal government.Park rangers are hired by the government to

provide services to visitors such as information. They also help keep the park protected.

The first national park in the USA was Yellowstone National Park.

Protecting the EnvironmentOne common problem is pollution,Pollution is harmful substances that are

released in the air, water, or soil.People can help reduce pollution by doing

simple things like recycling.