Exercises: Resource Management and Conservation

Classify each resource as renewable or nonrenewable: solar energy, coal, wind, natural gas, fresh water in a river that is refilled by rain. Choose any two and give a short reason for your classification.

Define the word conservation in your own words. Then give two examples of ways a family can practice conservation at home.

Energy poverty means that people do not have enough access to affordable, reliable energy for needs such as lighting, cooking and heating. Name two things in a household that are harder to do when there is no reliable electricity.

A family replaces an old light bulb that uses 60 watts with an LED bulb that gives the same light and uses 10 watts. Each bulb is on for 5 hours a day. a) How many watt-hours does each bulb use in one day? b) How many watt-hours does the family save per day? c) Explain how this is an example of increased efficiency, not just conservation.

Olivia's school in Phoenix, Arizona, wants to reduce water use. The school considers three actions: fixing leaking faucets, watering the soccer field at night, and installing drip irrigation for the garden. For each action, explain how it helps manage water resources. Then explain why wasting water is a concern in a desert region like the Southwest.

Poor farming can leave soil bare, and wind and rain carry it away. Describe two methods farmers can use to protect soil, such as planting cover crops or terracing hillsides. Then explain how healthy soil connects to reducing malnutrition (not having enough nutritious food) around the world.

A city in the Midwest gets most of its electricity from burning coal. The city council is considering two plans. Plan 1: build wind turbines on nearby farmland. Plan 2: give homeowners help to add insulation and buy efficient appliances. Compare the two plans in terms of air pollution, use of nonrenewable resources and cost to families. Then explain how technology helps in each plan. Which plan, or combination, would you recommend, and why?

In many rural areas of the world, families cook by burning wood or dung indoors. This causes smoke that harms health, and cutting trees harms forests. A charity offers either (a) a solar panel and battery for lighting or (b) an efficient stove that uses less fuel. Analyze how each choice could reduce energy poverty, air pollution and damage to resources. Identify one limitation of each choice and explain how good resource management could address it.