Mining and Earth’s Resources

Geological processes are responsible for the many minerals we use in our lives.  However, mining to access these minerals is environmentally destructive and often exploits marginalized social groups.  For your discussion:

Write at least five things you use regularly that are composed of minerals and list which minerals are in them (you might have to use internet resources to help)

Does knowing more about the environmental and societal consequences of mining make you view these products differently? Why or why not?

Does knowing more about the environmental consequences of mining make you more likely to use products longer/less likely to dispose of products?  Why or why not?

What do you think is worse: plastic or using substances made from mined minerals?  Why?  Is there some other substance we should be using?