“Earth provides us enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Natural resources are the resources that are derived directly from the nature and are used without any modification. Natural resources are generated from the Earth.  Two types of natural resources exist: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources are used at a slower rate than they are replaced. These include sun, water, wind and plants. Non-renewable resources are used at a faster rate than they are replenished and include natural gas, minerals, coal and oil.

Human need to conserve natural resources so that the resources are not wasted and used efficiently so that it becomes available for the next generation. Resources are limited and if not used wisely and efficiently it cannot be generated.

How to conserve natural resources?

1. Reduce –. The best way to conserve natural resources is “Buy and use less stuff”. For example, we can reduce the amount of non-renewable resources we use. For instance, by reducing our use of non-renewable oil and coal to give us energy and electricity, we can make less air pollution. Instead, we can get energy from the sun, to light our rooms. These sources of renewable energy don’t create pollution and they will never run out! We can also look for different natural resources to use so that we don’t use up too much of one kind. For example, we can make tree-free paper out of plants like kenaf, bamboo, and hemp instead of trees! Using tree-free paper is much better for our forests and all the animals that depend on a healthy forest in order to survive.
2. Reuse –  Reusing is best way to save natural resources. Use something over and over again before recycling, composting, or throwing it away.

Ideas for reuse:

• Write on both sides of paper.
• Drink from glass or reusable hard, plastic cups instead of throwaway paper or throwaway plastic ones.
• Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper towels and napkins.
• Take a cloth bag to the grocery store instead of using a paper or plastic bag.

Recycle – Recycle means turning something old into new things. It is using of the existing natural resource for new purposes so that over exploitation of natural resources is prevented.