The Earth’s Resources

Key Words

Natural resources – anything that comes from the earth, sea or air without human input.

Renewable resources – forms at the same rate as it is consumed.

Finite (non-renewable) resources – forms at a slower rate than it is consumed.

Sustainable living – ┬áliving in a way that makes things last for the future.

Recycling – converting waste materials into new materials.

Life cycle assessments – looks at every stage of a product’s life to access the impact it would have on the environment.

Portable water – water that’s been treated and is safe for humans to drink.

Filtration – wire mesh stops large twigs, gravel and other solid particles from water.

Sterilistaion – harmful bacteria or microbes are killed.

Distillation – seperation of substances in a liquid by┬á boiling and condensation.

Sewage – liquid and solid waste carried off in sewers and drains.

Sewage treatment – process of removing the contaminants from sewage.

Also see Using Earth’s Resources, Energy Resources, Atomic Structure