ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on various sustainable ways of utilizing natural resources, which may be either exhaustible or renewable. The former includes minerals, coals, petroleum, nuclear, and natural gas, whereas the latter includes a variety of sources grown in or obtained from land, ocean, and air. Some examples of such renewable resources are biomass, water, wind, solar, microorganisms, herbs, and plants. Many of these resources are being utilized conventionally. The chapter describes utilization of conventional resources via cleaner routes, highlights exploitation of renewable biological resources, explains utilization of unconventional resources, methods of optimization of resource utilization, and emphasizes sustainability assessment. In 1992, the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) published the "Earth Charter", also known as the "Rio Summit", "Rio Conference", outlines the building of a sustainable peaceful global society in the twenty-first century. Extensive research is being conducted around the world to introduce new technologies/products, with less environmental impact, high economic benefit, and acceptable social impact.
