What is a resource? Why are they important? Resources! What is a resource? Why are they important?

Natural Capital Ever wonder what our impact on Earth is? Why we need so much from our environment? What resources are at our disposal? How do you measure what we need and use? Natural Capital is all the products or goods, human and nature made, that we as humans consume or use; has value for us. It can include the manufacturing of products, services we use daily and natural processes like photosynthesis.

Natural Income – the yield or harvest of what we or nature has produced. The actual value we place on natural capital. The measure of a country’s wealth is placed based on their natural capital and natural income. Natural capital is based on what resources a country has and can provide, for themselves and others.

3 Types of Natural Capital Renewable: All living resources that can replace or restock themselves. With or without human intervention. Non-renewable: All resources that have a definite limit and that can not be replaced or restocked. Once used there is no more of it. Depletion of resources can cause major environmental impact. If replaced will take a very long time to do so (geological time). Replenishable: Between renewable and non-renewable Resources that can be replaced, but over a long period of time Usually not Living Resources, ie groundwater, soil

The 4th type Recyclable: Once a non-renewable resource is manufactured and used, humans can find a different use for it. Turn it into another product or value. Usually mined minerals, ie iron, aluminum.

Resources! Which brings us to: What is a resource? Resource – Any substance that has usefulness and value to humans Crops (food), wood (forests), Fossil fuels, whatever we use to make our life “better”.

Can you guess what type they are? Look at the following pictures. On the construction paper provided – Make a table that includes each type of Natural Capital. Write in the resource of each picture that corresponds to the type of natural capital. Next to the name of the resource write in recyclable if applies.

A B C D

E F H G

I J K L

N M O

Ecological Footprints A measure of how much land is needed to supply the goods and services an individual or country uses. Measured in area of land (Hectares) Energy, settlements (buildings, streets, etc.), timber and paper, food and fibers, seafood. What is your ecological footprint?

Ecological Footprint? Scientists have estimated that the world’s ecological footprint has measured 14million hectares. Or 125% of Earth’s total useable land area. The human lifestyle of Americans have an ecological footprint that would take up 5 Earths.

Ecological Footprints Let us measure our footprints: On the paper draw the outline of your foot. Inside your foot – draw pictures of the resources you use everyday. At the bottom of your foot – write down the measurement of your ecological footprint. (look up on the internet) At the top of your foot – Answer this question – How will I reduce my ecological footprint? List ways you can do this. http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

Sustainability What does it mean to be sustainable? To live within our means? To only use what nature has provided? And give back to nature what can be used again? Inclusive – not exclusive Proactive – not reactive