The Sustainability of Resource Consumption on The Planet (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Finite resources

What is a finite resource?

• A finite resource is a material or energy source that will eventually run out through consumption and use

What resources are commonly associated with being finite?

• Fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil have been consumed by humans faster than they can be replenished, which means we are at risk of running out of them

• Metals such as iron, aluminium and copper are very common in many products from cars to electronics, and it is unknown how much of these and other metals we have left on the planet

• Minerals are often found in limited quantities and, due to their use in many applications including construction, are considered finite

Non-finite resources

What is a non-finite resource?

• A non-finite resource is a material or energy source that will not run out because it is replaced quickly enough to ensure continuous availability

What resources are commonly associated with being non-finite?

• Sustainable energy sources including solar energy, wind energy and hydroelectric power are considered non-finite because they are in constant abundance for manufacturing purposes

• Timber from an FSC-certified source is considered non-finite because trees are replaced as a way of maintaining or growing the stock of trees for future use

Why can't all resources be non-finite?

• Some resources cannot be non-finite, including oil, metals like gold and minerals such as limestone

• They typically take longer to form than the time it takes to use them up (e.g. burning oil)

• They are resources which humans are unable to artificially produce (e.g. precious pure metals)

• They are often scarce and hard to find (e.g. through mining)

Disposal of waste

What do we mean by disposal of waste?

• Disposal of waste is the process by which manufacturers or consumers deal with materials when they are no longer needed

What does disposal of waste need to consider for the planet?

• Can the material be disposed of in a safe and responsible way, avoiding any damage to the environment?

• Can the materials be recycled or reused for other purposes instead of being disposed of?

• Can the value of the materials be used in a different way (e.g. waste food and plants for creating compost)?

• Can we keep the materials in use rather than going into landfill (known as the circular economy)?

• If we must dispose of the materials, is it better to incinerate them or put them into landfill?

Why is disposal of waste important?

• Incorrect disposal of waste can harm the environment, damaging wildlife

• Waste that is not disposed of correctly can cause damage to the land, air and water, further spreading the issue

• By not disposing of waste properly, we only increase the amount of landfill and waste in our oceans

• When we try not to dispose of materials, we can often recycle or reuse them to make the same product again