Employing "sustainable resource" practices means using resources in a way that can continue indefinitely in the future. Many industry practices deplete resources at a rate that simply can’t last for long. America’s use of fossil fuels, for example, is not sustainable because oil is rapidly running out at the rate we are depleting the stores. When talking specifically about converting to an energy source that is sustainable, the term "renewable" energy is used to show a difference between energy resources that gradually disappear (like oil) versus those that can be replenished (such as wind energy).
The term "sustainable resources" also applies to other industries. Logging practices that do not replant trees at a rate consistent with the rate of deforestation are not sustainable because trees that are cut down faster than replanted trees can grow ultimately impact the health of the industry as well as the environment. It should be common sense that employing sustainable resource practices are necessary not only for the environment, but also for the industries that rely on those resources. When resources disappear, there is no money to be made, and the industry itself, as well as the people that depend on the goods, will suffer. Furthermore, some resources--such as living resources--can’t be replenished once they are spent. Ensuring that this doesn’t happen is the purpose of environmental polices like the Endangered Species Act.
Utilizing sustainable resource practices requires enforced industry regulation. Technology today enables industries to deplete resources rapidly and sometimes with brash, violent consequence to the surrounding environment. Due to the competitive nature of businesses, the only way to ensure sustainable practices in through strictly enforced rules that industries understand will benefit their business in the long run. For example, sustainable resource regulations in the fishing industry would require international restrictions that ensure that fish are not caught or killed faster than they can reproduce.
This section of the website will cover information about sustainable resources, including information articles about various topics related to sustainable resource practices, profiles of what various companies, industries, organizations, and individuals are doing to promote sustainable resources, editorials on sustainable resource practices, and related news information.
Company Profiles
Microsoft at Large
Microsoft Corporation is an American computer technology company engaged in the manufacture, development, licensing and support of software products for computers. With its headquarters in Washington, its business extends globally, deploying 78,000 employees in 105 countries and regions.
SAFEWAY TO A GREENER WORLD
Safeway Inc. is one of the leading food and drug sellers in North America, and one of the largest supermarket chains as well. Gaining more than $40 billion sales in 2006, Safeway presently has over 1,750 stores in the United States and western Canada, with its headquarters located in Pleasanton, California.
Sustainable Resources & Renewable Energy Articles
Renewable Energy
For energy to be considered renewable, it must not run out. Renewable energy is an energy source that is continually replenished. In contrast, the most wanted energy source today, fossil fuels, are nonrenewable. One way or the other, such energy sources are exhaustible, to say nothing of its environmental hazards. Renewable energy includes energy derived from water, wind, sun, geothermal, and biomass, among others.
Deforestation
Around 13 million hectares of forest are lost each year around the world. Unfortunately, the hardest-hit are the world’s most verdant and ecologically prolific regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Sustainable Resources & Renewable Energy Editorials
The Oil Crisis and Finding Alternative Sources for Power and Energy
Experts say that our current petroleum resources won't last long, considering that the demand for energy is growing faster than the population. Moreover, the irresponsible use of fossil fuels has taken its toll on our planet, as climate change continues to be largely (and scientifically) blamed on the residues that fossil fuels release after being consumed.
Biofuel - Renewable Energy Or Another Environmental Disaster?
Much of the world's energy supply comes from elements like coal, oil and natural gas. These sources of energy are called non-renewable because once they are taken from the ground and used, they cannot be immediately replaced.