In this lesson you will comprehend how the consumption of everyday products affects the availability of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources for future generations and learn about environmental threats to our home. Read the following information to help you define three different types of resources—renewable, nonrenewable, perpetual. 1. On earth, there are only limited amounts of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas. There are also only limited amounts of minerals, such as iron, copper and bauxite. These resources either cannot be replaced by natural processes or require millions of years to replenish. 2. Some renewable and nonrenewable resources can be recycled or reused. This process decreases the rate at which the supplies of these resources are depleted. For example, aluminum cans can be recycled and turned into “new” cans or other aluminum products many times over. Recycling reduces the need to mine bauxite, the mineral used to manufacture aluminum. 3. Renewable natural resources include plants, animals and water when they are properly cared for. Minerals and fossil fuels such as coal and oil are examples of nonrenewable natural resources. 4. Trees, wildlife, water and many other natural resources are replaced by natural processes. Plants and animals can also be replenished by human activities. Water is continuously cycled and reused. Sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, tides and flowing water are perpetual resources. Water is a resource that is typically considered renewable. However, over usage of water can cause us to use it faster than it is replenished. The chart below approximates daily water consumption in the United States: 1. Thermoelectric Utilities 187 billion gallons/day 2. Irrigation 137 billion gallons/day 3. Public Water Supply 36 billion gallons/day 4. Industry 26 billion gallons/day 5. Rural and Livestock 8 billion gallons/day Total 394 billion gallons/day What are the threats to our environment? Biodiversity Biodiversity is all of the Earth's plants, animals, ecosystems and genes. It includes the tallest tree, the smallest insect, and the most delicate coral reef ecosystem. Biodiversity is what allows the Earth and all of its creatures to adapt and survive. As humans, we are completely dependent on biodiversity for survival. Yet we are destroying large parts of our natural world. In places far and wide, humans are squeezing out other forms of life, sometimes causing the extinction of entire species. We have the power to change our course. Each of us can act to protect our biodiversity and help create a sustainable future for life on Earth. Learn more about biodiversity and how YOU can make a difference . Water Pure water is essential for all life on Earth. The Earth is 70% water, as .