Resources such as bauxite, iron, and copper form the basis of everyday items, while water, soil, and salt are required for life. It is humanity’s duty to protect and conserve natural resources.

Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away.
2. Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community.
3. Educate.
4. Conserve water.
5. Choose sustainable.
6. Shop wisely.
7. Use long-lasting light bulbs.
8. Plant a tree.

Buy less stuff (use items as long as you can, and ask yourself if you really need something new). Reduce excess packaging (drink tap water instead of water from plastic bottles). Recycle materials such as metal cans, old cell phones, and plastic bottles. Purchase products made from recycled materials.

That’s right – these natural energy sources can replace themselves, making them sustainable and abundant natural resources. They don’t damage our planet. These clean energy sources are non-pollutant, produce minimal or no waste products, and don’t contribute to global warming – great news for the environment!

Natural resources can be defined as the resources that exist (on the planet) independent of human actions. Common examples of natural resources include air, sunlight, water, soil, stone, plants, animals and fossil fuels.

Being sustainable makes sense. It can improve health, increase safety, and save money. For example, driving less reduces air pollution, decreases wear and tear on local roads, and saves money. Any air pollution or waste generated by Forest Service operations impacts the local community.