What Are Some Renewable Things?

Things that are renewable are those that are natural and replenish themselves faster than humans and animals can consume and use them. Renewable resources, such as solar energy, wind and the Earth's heat are good alternatives to non-renewable resources such as coal, oil and gasoline for producing energy, electricity and fuel.

Solar Energy

• A solar panel can light a house.

  Solar energy is basically the heat and light that the sun produces; it radiates the Earth and is a renewable resource. By using solar panels or solar cells, you can capture this energy and use it for a variety things like producing electricity and heating water for your home and business. Solar energy can run electric cars via collecting cells that convert the solar energy into electricity.

Wind

• Wind turbines provide electricity to entire communities.

  Wind is another renewable resource that gets harnessed with instruments like wind turbines in order to produce electricity. These turbines have blades like the wings of an airplane that turn when the wind blows; this movement starts a generator which, depending on the size of the turbine and generator, can produce enough electricity for thousands of people.

Geothermal Energy

• A geyser is powered by heat from the Earth's core.

  The term "Geothermal" refers to the heat in the interior of the Earth, another renewable resource. The decay of minerals and rocks, along with the absorption of solar heat, makes the center of the planet very hot. Geothermal energy is harnessed by tapping into the steam that results from underground water that's heated by geothermal activity. The steam propels turbines and powers generators for electricity.