15.5 NOTES
How can natural resources be conserved?
Objective: Describe ways to conserve natural resources
Natural resources can be conserved by recycling, or by using them over again.
Aluminum, glass, paper, and plastics can all be recycled. Recycling uses less
energy than finding new resources.
Another way to conserve is to replace certain materials with others. For example,
using nylon material can replace steel and plastic can take the place of aluminum.
Some scientists are looking at ways to take minerals from the oceans or from
space.
Conserving water is to not use more than we need. Taking showers instead of
baths, fixing leaky faucets, and not running the water when we brush our teeth
are all ways in which we can use less water.
Soil conservation methods can be used to keep wind and water from removing
soil. Contour farming (planting on an angle) and strip cropping (planting grasses)
are two ways that farmers can help conserve soil. Windbreaks (rows of trees) and
fertilizers can also help keep soil and replace nutrients.