Non-Renewable Resource Use - $100

Details:

Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The production process involves extracting and refining oil, contributing to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that reducing plastic bag use can help conserve these valuable resources.

Examples of Non-Renewable Resource Use
Non-renewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replenished within a human lifespan. These resources are finite and include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals like uranium. Their extraction and use have significant environmental impacts. Here are some detailed examples of non-renewable resource use:


1. Fossil Fuels

Coal

Description:

Coal is used primarily for electricity generation and steel production. It is mined from underground or surface mines.
Impact:

Coal mining and combustion release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that coal-fired power plants are a major source of CO2 emissions.
Example:

The United States relies heavily on coal for electricity, with coal power plants supplying about 20% of the country's electricity. This contributes to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
Oil

Description:

Oil is used for transportation fuels, heating, and the production of plastics and chemicals. It is extracted through drilling wells on land or offshore.
Impact:

Oil extraction and refining processes can lead to oil spills, habitat destruction, and water contamination. Burning oil for fuel releases CO2 and other pollutants. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlights the environmental damage caused by oil spills, such as the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010.
Example:

The transportation sector in the United States is the largest consumer of oil, using it to power cars, trucks, and airplanes. This sector accounts for nearly 30% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Natural Gas

Description:

Natural gas is used for electricity generation, heating, and as a feedstock for chemical production. It is extracted through drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Impact:

Although natural gas burns cleaner than coal and oil, its extraction process, especially fracking, can cause water contamination and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that methane leaks from natural gas infrastructure contribute significantly to global warming.
Example:

Natural gas powers over 30% of electricity generation in the United States, making it a critical energy source. However, the methane emissions from natural gas infrastructure pose a significant environmental challenge.
2. Nuclear Energy

Uranium

Description:

Uranium is used as fuel for nuclear power plants. It is mined and then processed into fuel rods for nuclear reactors.
Impact:

Uranium mining and processing generate radioactive waste, which poses long-term environmental and health risks. Additionally, nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that must be carefully managed and stored. The World Nuclear Association emphasizes the need for secure storage solutions for radioactive waste.
Example:

The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 is a stark example of the potential dangers of nuclear energy. The accident released large amounts of radioactive material into the environment, leading to long-term health and environmental consequences.
3. Minerals

Phosphorus

Description:

Phosphorus is an essential mineral used in fertilizers to support agriculture. It is mined from phosphate rock.
Impact:

Phosphorus mining can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. The runoff from agricultural fields treated with phosphorus fertilizers can cause algal blooms in water bodies, leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that excessive use of phosphorus fertilizers contributes to water quality degradation.
Example:

The state of Florida in the United States is a major producer of phosphate rock. The mining operations have caused significant environmental damage, including the creation of sinkholes and contamination of water sources.
Rare Earth Elements

Description:

Rare earth elements (REEs) are used in various high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and military equipment. They are mined from mineral deposits.
Impact:

The extraction and processing of REEs can lead to severe environmental degradation, including soil and water contamination from toxic waste products. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlights the environmental challenges associated with REE mining, such as the generation of large amounts of hazardous waste.
Example:

China is the leading producer of rare earth elements, supplying over 80% of the global demand. The mining and processing operations in China have led to significant environmental issues, including the pollution of water bodies and farmland.

Conclusion
The use of non-renewable resources like coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, phosphorus, and rare earth elements has substantial environmental and health impacts. These resources are finite and their extraction and use contribute to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. By understanding these impacts and exploring alternative, renewable resources, we can work towards a more sustainable future. For more information on the environmental impacts of non-renewable resources, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Nuclear Association.