What are examples of renewable resources?

Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over short periods of time, making them sustainable for energy production and other uses. Solar and wind energy are prime examples of renewable resources because they harness natural processes that are continuously replenished. The sun produces energy as long as it is shining, and wind is generated by atmospheric conditions that constantly change.

On the other hand, coal and natural gas are fossil fuels formed from ancient organic materials and are considered non-renewable because they take millions of years to form and can be depleted. Iron and aluminum, while useful materials, are minerals that can be mined but do not fit the definition of renewable resources as they do not regenerate at a significant rate within human timeframes. Lastly, plastic and cardboard are made from petroleum products and wood respectively; while cardboard can be recycled, neither of these materials are classified as renewable resources in the same context as solar and wind. Thus, the emphasis on solar and wind highlights their sustainability and continual availability as energy sources.