The concept of the natural environment can be broken down into a few key components: * Complete ecological units that function as natural systems without massive human intervention, including all vegetation, animals, microorganisms, soil, rocks, atmosphere and natural phenomena that occur within their boundaries. * Universal natural resources and physical phenomena that lack clear-cut boundaries, [...]
Some of the recently developed nanoparticle products may have unintended consequences. Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles used in socks to reduce foot odor are being released in the wash with possible negative consequences. Silver nanoparticles, which are bacteriostatic, may then destroy beneficial bacteria which are important for breaking down organic matter in waste treatment [...]
Renewable resources are sometimes living resources (trees and soil, for example), which can restock (renew) themselves if they are not over-harvested and used sustainably. There are also non-living resources that are renewable, such as hydroelectric power, solar power, biomass fuel, and wind power. If renewable resources are consumed at a rate above their natural rate [...]
