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Natural Resource Conservation

Practice Natural Resource Conservation
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Natural Resource Conservation

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Conserving Natural Resources

So that people in developed nations maintain a good lifestyle and people in developing nations have the ability to improve their lifestyles, natural resources must be conserved and protected ( Figure below ). People are researching ways to find renewable alternatives to non-renewable resources. Here is a checklist of ways to conserve resources:

Recycling can help conserve natural resources.

  • 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.
  • Reduce pollution so that resources are maintained.
  • Prevent soil erosion.
  • Plant new trees to replace those that are cut down.
  • Conserve energy at home (turn out lights when they are not needed).

Conserving natural resources are explored in a set of National Geographic videos found at http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/habitats-environment/rainforests . Search for these videos:

  • “Mamirarua” is a sustainable development reserve that is protecting the Amazon
  • “Vancouver Rain Forest” explores an alliance between conservationists and logging companies

Or find ways to go green from National Geographic Conservation in Action series: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/going-green-environment/conservation-in-action

  • “Sustainable Logging”
  • The problem with plastic bags is discussed in “Edward Norton: Bag the Bag”
  • Trying to mitigate problems caused by intensive logging in Ecuador while helping the people who live there improve their standards of living is in “Ecuador Conservation”


  • To conserve natural resources it is important to use less resources or even eliminate the use of some resources.
  • It is important to watch unintended consumption; e.g. with packaging.
  • To reduce resource use, work on making some renewable: plant trees or use recycled products.

Making Connections


Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.


Play the game to answer these questions.

1. What are energy hogs?



4. List 2 ways to save water in the bathroom.

5. List 2 ways to conserve energy in the bedroom.

6. How can energy be conserved in the attic?


1. Why should you use renewable resources rather than nonrenewable resources when possible?

2. Why should you recycle materials when possible?

3. Why should you drink tap water or install a filter on your tap for filtered water?

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