500+ Words Essay on Natural Resources
There is a planetary mnemonic used to remember planets of our solar system – “My very educated mother just showed us nine planets”. Every initial letter of the word represents a planet. It is a good exercise for the brain to recollect and remember, Interesting. But the crux is that we are just learning for the sake of examinations but not understanding the fact that in the whole solar system earth is the only planet which harbours life and hence named mother earth meaning life-giving and providing sustenance.
It hosts our existence and survival and is a giver of numerous things and elements. In return, it is just pleading humankind to stop causing destruction and start respecting and preserving what they have left of it. One of the boons we have received from it is ‘Natural Resources’.
These are earth materials used to support life which includes oil, coal, natural gas, metals, stone, air, sunlight, soil, water, forests, minerals etc. They are both biotic and abiotic in nature and are essential for civilization. Not all are available in abundance because some will get extinct if not used judiciously. With the increasing rate of population, these resources are declining, and the measures to prevent them are growing exponentially.
Types of Natural Resources
Natural Resources are broadly classified into renewable and non-renewable resources. The former can be regenerated while the latter is extinctive.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are the ones which can grow again and never exhaust. For example, Tress, they grow again even if they are cut, and Animals reproduce. Sunlight and air is plenty. Trees being at the top provide life-supporting gas called oxygen vital for breathing. Without it, no living creature will survive.
Also, it lessens the concentration of carbon dioxide by utilizing it in the process of photosynthesis. Trees give us shade, fresh air, fruits and vegetables. Apart from this, they play a role in sustaining the eco-balance of nature.
Water is the second essential resource which is potentially used in generating power, in agriculture, in construction and households. It is found in oceans, rivers, ponds, lakes and seas. Earth consists of 71% of water, but only some are used as other water bodies are unfit for consumption, even groundwater, wells, dams and trenches are sources of water.
Sun provides us with sunlight, heat, energy and vitamin D. Sun’s energy is harnessed in the form of solar energy and used in solar water heaters, cookers, solar plants and artificial photosynthesis.
Non-Renewable Resources
Non Renewable resources are resources which are irreplaceable and are depleting at a faster pace due to over consumption. Most fossil fuels, minerals and metal ores are examples of non-renewable resources. Fossil fuels like oil, coal and petroleum are used in vehicles, aircraft, railways and other forms of transportation. Also, they are found in every product we use daily.
Iron is a good conductor and therefore used in making steel, pipes, electrical wiring, tools, door handles, pots and pans etc. Iron ore deposits are also found in deposits of sedimentary rocks. It is hard and durable and has the ability to convert hot solids into useful products. It was considered more reliable and dominant even in the historic period as it was used in making weapons and swords.
Coal is used in making dyes, oils, waxes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. It is an energy source which takes millions of years to configure. Thermal coal is also used in power generation.
Conservation of Natural Resources
Follow the mechanism of four R’s-Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Refuse to buy the products which cause harm to the resources. Reduce the use of materials that are chronic in nature. Reuse items as and when required to avoid unnecessary surplus and lastly recycle the existing things into creative stuff so that it reduces the demand for producing goods which are redundant.
Use electricity cautiously as resources like water, coal and natural gas is used to produce it. Switching off fans, lights and other electrical gadgets when not necessary. Use energy-efficient appliances to save power.
Please refrain from using plastic as they cause massive hazards to the environment. Substitute plastic with environmentally friendly products. Instead of plastic spoons, plates or bags use paper bags, leaf plates and wooden spoons. Keep away from plastic straws and use metal ones.
Owe fuel-efficient vehicles. Bicycling, walking, using public transports and car-pooling are the best replacements. Driving less will also reduce air pollution.
India’s primary occupation is agriculture, and its economy mainly depends upon agro-based industries. Sustainable agriculture is the solution to maintain balance as it encourages organic farming and abstains from using harmful chemicals and pesticides for the crops.
Rainwater harvesting is the best course of action to save water for future use as it recollects rainwater from roofs and stores it underground. This also augments the water supply.
Afforestation should be promoted on a larger scale to prevent soil erosion as roots of the plants holds the fertile surface of the soil thus preventing it from getting washed away, and also it helps in suppressing floods. Trees are home to various animal species and if they are chopped many creatures die and get extinct thus disrupting the food chain.
A lot of food is wasted during wedding, parties, rallies and political functions. Reduce food waste by offering it to the orphanage or children’s home. Appropriate planning in terms of food is required while hosting such events so that wastage is minimal.
Conclusion
Earth has provided us with the gift of these resources. We must conserve them to ensure the existence of every being and maintain stability in the eco-system. If these resources exhaust, then no longer a day will arrive where we will have to start looking for another planet for continuation, which is complicated given the conditions required for survival as they are unavailable on other planets.
Living sustainably and valuing these resources will help us to build our future in a better way, and future generations will be obliged to safeguarding them. Earth will remain green only with our vigorous efforts and determination.
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