The Earth’s Resources

Natural resources are materials that exist without any human action and they are produced by the environment. On Earth, we can find many different types of natural resources, such as:

  • Air
  • Water
  • Soil
  • Minerals
  • Energy
  • Plants
  • Animals

The non-living resources are in green and the living resources are in red.

We rely on natural resources for many different purposes, including providing food, warmth, shelter, and transportation. Natural resources are essential for our survival and play an important role in improving our quality of life.

Conservation is about preventing the wastage of these resources. Taking care of natural resources ensures that all living beings can benefit from them now and in the future.

Chemistry plays a vital role in developing new sustainable materials and determining how we use them. For example, artificial fertilisers have increased crop yields, allowing us to make the most of the land we have available.

Synthetic Alternatives

Also, some products can be replaced with synthetic alternatives. One example of this is silk, which is a natural fibre that comes from the cocoons of silkworms. It has been highly valued for centuries for its shiny appearance and soft texture. However, the production of silk requires killing the silkworm, which has led to ethical concerns about the use of silk in clothing and other products.

As a result, synthetic silk, also known as artificial silk, has been developed as a substitute for natural silk. Synthetic silk is made from a variety of materials, and it can be produced without harming any animals. It is often much cheaper to buy synthetic silk than natural silk. This makes it a popular alternative for those who want the look and feel of silk without the ethical concerns or high cost.

A silk cloth.