Right now, as you are reading this text, you are using some kind of a computer. Have you ever thought about what kinds of things are needed to craft such a device? The list of things required to do so is too long to include here, but let us mention some examples.

The frames of computers, tablets, and smartphones are often made of plastic, which is produced from crude oil. The screens of these devices contain elements such as aluminium, silicon, as well as smaller amounts of indium and tin. The most important element used in batteries is lithium. All these elements are gathered from minerals that are contained in rock. Minerals are mined all over the world. Elements are extracted from minerals by using large amounts of water.

In addition, the mining, refining, exctraction and transportation of these elements requires energy. This energy is most often obtained from oil, coal or natural gas. All the things listed above are examples of natural resources. Our whole economic system and lifestyle is based on them.