Renewable resource are resources which can be replenished. Generally, when people refer to renewable resources, they mean resources that are sustainable at the rate they are consumed. Wood products, when properly farmed and harvested, can be renewable and sustainable. This is also true of leather goods and paper. In fact, is some cases, the farming of the trees actually causes more trees to be planted. The trees consume carbon dioxide and provide oxygen during the growing cycle.
There are also perpetual resources. These are naturally present and won't run out. The sun, the tides, wind and electric power created by water falls and dams are perpetual resources. These resources are always present and are not effected by our harnessing of their power. Renewable resources require management.
Geothermal power is a renewable resource, but must be carefully managed. The demand for such power could cause problems for the earth later with out a life cycle assessment of its sustainability.
Fresh water and timber are also renewable, but may not be sustainable if not carefully managed. Hardwood trees take many years to grow, and this must be considered when planting and harvesting them.
There are many renewable and sustainable products that are just beginning to achieve recognition. Cork can be harvested from cork oaks without damaging the tree in any way. The living tree continues to produce even more cork. Rubber trees are not damaged when their sap is harvested. Bamboo is actually a grass that grows inches in a few days and can be used in a variety of ways. Hemp can be used to manufacture cloth and is another rapidly growing plant. By using renewable resources that are easily sustainable, we contribute to the health of the planet.
Some sustainable products have manufacturing issues. Paper traditionally uses acid in its manufacture and creates a great deal of contaminated waste water. Paper companies are striving to find cleaner, more eco friendly methods of manufacturing. Leather goods also use chemicals that create hazardous waste that requires disposal. There are efforts in this industry to find safer methods of tanning hides.
Since bamboo, rubber and cork do not grow on a large scale in the United States, there has been concern over the pollution caused by shipping these items. It is illegal to grow hemp in the United States, and hemp is also imported from foreign markets. Hemp is used mostly in the manufacture of cloth. Ships, air freight, trains and trucks all use fossil fuels which are a non renewable resource.
Non renewable resources are resources which will not be recreated as they are used. Fossil fuels, stones like granite and quartz, iron copper and other metals may seem abundant, but they cannot be recreated and when they are used up they are gone forever.
When you consider if a resource is renewable, you must also consider if it can be sustained at the rate we use it. You may consider a California sequoia to be a renewable resource, but it takes hundreds of years for one to grow. That's just not sustainable. Use non renewable and non sustainable products sparingly so they may be enjoyed by future generations.