Use of Natural Resources by Humans

People depend on natural resources for just about everything that keeps us fed and sheltered, as well as for the things that keep us entertained. Every person in the US uses about 20,000 kilograms of minerals every year for a wide range of products, such as cell phones, TVs, jewelry and cars.  For example, cars include metals such as iron, lead and chromium and electronic appliances contain metals such as copper, mercury and gold, all nonrenewable natural resources. Bottled water is bottled in plastics made from petroleum products, which are likewise nonrenewable resources. Rocks and minerals are used for construction of buildings, bridges and roadways. Clothing comes from natural plants, as well as animal byproducts to create fur and leather.  Some of the materials for clothing and construction are nonrenewable and some are renewable. All are natural resources that come from the Earth. And with billions of people on the planet, we are using many of our planet's resources. 


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Source: Materials Humans Use. Retrieved from http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Earth-Science-Concepts-For-High-School/r16/section/12.16/ on January 3, 2014.