Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

Six Renewable Resources

Fossil fuels and minerals are called nonrenewable resources because they cannot be replaced when supplies are exhausted. Renewable resources can be replenished, but can also be depleted if mismanaged. For example, water can become polluted and fish can be over-caught and threatened with extinction. Sunlight and wind are in a special category of renewable resources called perpetual resources because they are unlimited and can never be depleted.

Wind
- Wind is a clean, abundant energy source. Wind turbines collect the power of the wind and convert it to electricity. Farms of wind turbines can be found around the world, both on land and off shore. New technology, such as portable wind generators and wind kites, are making it possible to harness the wind in remote places and at high altitudes.
Sun
- Sunlight can be collected by solar cells to produce electricity. The technology to harness solar power is continuing to improve and is being used to bring electricity to remote and populated areas around the world. Solar panels provide endless electricity to satellites and allow them to orbit the earth without refueling. Scientists at Washington State University are looking at ways to combine solar energy with wind energy to produce solar wind power, which they believe can meet all of Earth's energy needs.
Timber
- The world's forests were being depleted until methods were developed to renew this valuable resource. Timber is now cultivated on vast farms and harvested for lumber. Sustainable practices include controlled harvesting and replanting of natural forests to prevent erosion and protect natural habitats while ensuring a continuous wood supply.
Water
- The tremendous power of water can be harnessed to generate electricity. Hydroelectric dams use water to power turbines and provide a clean, inexpensive, renewable source of energy. Waves, tidal energy and solar-heated water on the ocean's surface are also being used to produce electricity.
Geothermal
- Steam is constantly being produced by water heated inside the earth. This free, renewable energy source is being used to power turbines to produce electricity. Geysers are an example of hydrothermal energy in action.
Oxygen
- Oxygen is necessary to sustain most animal life on earth. Most of the earth's oxygen is produced by plants through a process called photosynthesis, during which the plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) to convert sunlight into energy. Protecting the earth's forests is key to ensuring the renewal of this essential resource.

Nature