Not all natural resources last the same way. Some resources like trees and wind can be replaced, but others like oil are gone once we use them up. Sorting resources into these two groups helps us know which ones to protect the most.

A renewable resource is one that nature can make more of, again and again. Trees can be replanted and grow back. Wind keeps blowing and sunlight keeps shining, so we will never run out of them. Water is renewable too, because rain keeps refilling our rivers and lakes.

A nonrenewable resource is one that cannot be made again quickly, so once it is used up it is gone for a very long time. Oil, coal, and natural gas are nonrenewable. They took millions of years to form deep underground, and we cannot make more when they run out.

Many people today use renewable resources to make energy. Wind turbines spin in the breeze to make electricity, and solar panels soak up sunlight to power homes. These are clean helpers that do not get used up.

Because nonrenewable resources will not last forever, it is smart to save them. When we turn off lights, walk instead of ride, or use wind and sun for power, we help the Earth's resources last much longer for the future.