Impact on sustainability
Greater consideration is now given by some companies to ensure that the materials and energy we use are Meeting the needs of today, while also ensuring future generations can be provided for.. This includes where the resources come from and how they are disposed of at the end of their life.
Finite resources
Resource that can only be used once and is in limited supply. For example, oil is a finite resource. are A resource that cannot be replaced when it is used up, such as oil, natural gas or coal. and will eventually run out. Metals, plastics and Natural, finite fuel formed from the remains of living organisms, eg oil, coal and natural gas. (coal, natural gas and oil) are all examples of finite resources. Finite resources are popular as they are easily accessible due to strong supply chains and often have benefits for manufacturing particular products or for energy supplies. Many companies have become more careful in their use of finite resources, and they consider the An analytical measurement of the amount of global resources used. caused by using such materials. However, not all companies do this. Some still rely on finite resources, even though their use causes damage to the environment.
Non-finite resources
A renewable energy that harnesses the Earth's natural resources. are found naturally and can be replaced. Examples include wood, cotton and Power that is generated using natural resources that will not run out, eg wind and wave power. sources such as solar and wind. Where trees are cut down for wood or hibiscus plants When crops are collected from the fields. for cotton, new ones can be planted in their place.
How energy is generated and stored
A resource that cannot be replaced when it is used up, such as oil, natural gas or coal. and Power that is generated using natural resources that will not run out, eg wind and wave power. energy is used to generate lighting, power electronics, heat homes and more. There are advantages and disadvantages to using renewable energy for generation and storage.
| Renewable energy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Solar - uses sunlight to generate energy through solar cells | Huge free source of energy to create power | The panels can be expensive initially, less sunlight in winter months |
| Wind - uses the wind to generate energy through wind turbines | Does not pollute the air | Expensive set-up costs, some people do not like their appearance, can be noisy |
| Biomass - uses organic materials to generate energy through burning to create gases | A good use of waste crops | Crops need to be available, burning them can pollute the air |
| Water - uses falling water to generate energy through turning watermills | Clean fuel source | Can affect the flow of water, costly to set up initially |
| Geothermal - uses heat from deep underground to generate energy | No harmful gases | To operate the pumps elecricity is still needed |
| Renewable energy | Solar - uses sunlight to generate energy through solar cells |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Huge free source of energy to create power |
| Disadvantages | The panels can be expensive initially, less sunlight in winter months |
| Renewable energy | Wind - uses the wind to generate energy through wind turbines |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Does not pollute the air |
| Disadvantages | Expensive set-up costs, some people do not like their appearance, can be noisy |
| Renewable energy | Biomass - uses organic materials to generate energy through burning to create gases |
|---|---|
| Advantages | A good use of waste crops |
| Disadvantages | Crops need to be available, burning them can pollute the air |
| Renewable energy | Water - uses falling water to generate energy through turning watermills |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Clean fuel source |
| Disadvantages | Can affect the flow of water, costly to set up initially |
| Renewable energy | Geothermal - uses heat from deep underground to generate energy |
|---|---|
| Advantages | No harmful gases |
| Disadvantages | To operate the pumps elecricity is still needed |
Waste disposal
How materials and resources are disposed of is carefully monitored and managed by local councils. Households are encouraged to recycle waste items where possible, including products made from various materials such as hard plastics, paper and steel. Natural garden waste can also be recycled. In 2016, the UK recycled 25 per cent of household waste, with the target of 50 per cent in 2020. All other waste goes to Places where refuse is buried underground., which release harmful gases that pollute the surrounding air and soil.
