Reducing the Use of Resources

Introduction

• Humans produce various materials essential for modern life:
  • Glass
  • Metals (e.g., copper)
  • Building materials
  • Plastics
  • Clay ceramics (e.g., cups, plates)
• These materials originate from raw materials that are in limited supply.
• Metals, in particular, are becoming scarce.

Environmental Impact of Obtaining Raw Materials

• Quarrying and Mining:
  • Harmful to the environment.
  • Quarrying: Produces large amounts of dust; destroys habitats.
  • Mining: Can release harmful chemicals.
• High energy consumption required to convert raw materials into products.
  • Energy often sourced from limited resources like fossil fuels.

Importance of Reducing Raw Material Use

• Conserve limited resources and energy.
• Lower waste production.
• Minimize environmental harm.

Methods to Reduce Resource Use

• Reusing Products:
  • Example: Glass bottles can be reused or crushed and melted to create new glass products like jars.
• Recycling Products:
  • Example: Plastic bottles can be recycled into fleece jackets and carpets.
  • Metal Recycling:
    • Metals are melted and cast into new products.
    • Different metals often need separation before recycling.
    • Scrap steel can be mixed with iron from a blast furnace to minimize extraction of new iron ore.

Conclusion

• Reducing the use of raw materials through reusing and recycling helps conserve resources, energy, and reduces environmental impact.
• For further practice and questions, refer to the revision workbook available through the mentioned link.