The Earth’s natural resources range from plants and trees to water and minerals. Some resources are renewable and can be regrown or regenerated over and over again. Other resources are non-renewable and need to be protected and used with caution. Regardless of its renewability, natural resources benefit all life and need to be given more thought and consideration. Not caring for resources or not respecting the benefits of the resources that are available leads to a lack of real understanding and appreciation of our planet, which has led to destruction.

Plants

Plants provide a wide range of benefits for both humans and animals including food, protection, fiber, paper, and even environmentally-friendly packaging. For example, BioMax has created plant-based packaging and containers that eliminate the need for plastics made with fossil fuels. The key difference is that plant-based materials are renewable and easier on the environment, while fossil fuels are non-renewable and the use of them creates carbon admissions, which are detrimental to the environment. Moreover, plants are one of the most important aspects of life on Earth. They are necessary for the production of oxygen and many other essential elements. Plants also play a key role in moderating the Earth’s climate and in the cycling of nutrients and water.

Minerals

The variety of minerals on the Earth and the range of benefits they provide are massive. Mineral stones play a significant role in the health of our planet. They are an important part of the Earth’s crust and make up a large percentage of the planet’s surface. The minerals in these stones help to create and maintain the Earth’s physical and chemical properties. Mineral stones also have a significant impact on the environment and life on Earth. They provide a source of nutrients for plants and animals, help to purify water, and moderate the Earth’s climate. In addition, mineral stones are used to produce many of the products that we use every day such as granite, marble, and sandstone for building materials, construction, and landscapes. Howard Fensterman has taken his interest and love for minerals and created an educational website that can appeal to adults and children. Mr. Fensterman’s dedication to the study of minerals provides a detailed synopsis of the vast understanding of minerals, rock, and geology for anyone interested in Earth’s topography.

Water

Water is a non-renewable resource that is needed for life by all plants, animals, and humans. Water is one of the most basic needs for all life and the most important substance for life on Earth. It covers 71% of the Earth’s surface and is in the air as water vapor. About 1.5% of the Earth’s water is fresh, which is the water that is in streams, rivers, lakes, and the water we drink. The rest of the water is saltwater in the oceans. Additionally, water is essential for life because it’s necessary for all the chemical processes that occur in living things. It’s also necessary for the transportation of food and other materials in and out of cells. Moreover, water is important for the environment because it is a major part of the water cycle. The water cycle is the process that recycles water from the Earth’s surface back into the atmosphere. The water cycle is important for the environment because it helps to recycle water and distribute it around the Earth.

Trees

Trees are separate from plants because they have unique qualities that benefit life in different ways than plants. Trees can provide food and shelter. Their massive root systems can decrease erosion. Even dead trees are beneficial as they decay, become homes to small creatures, allow for the growth of fungi and other plants, and fertilize the soil. The wood that comes from trees is a foundation of life and has been used in carpentry for thousands of years. Wood from trees is used to create homes, shelters, furniture, toys, weapons, and more. Wood can be cut and carved into nearly anything humans need to survive and thrive. Furthermore, trees provide essential oxygen and stabilize the climate on Earth.

Edward Bertrand