A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Resources such as solar radiation, tides, and winds are perpetual resources that are in no danger of being used in excess of their long-term availability.

Natural resources that qualify as renewable resources include oxygen, fresh water, timber, and biomass. However they can become non-renewable resources if used at a rate greater than the environment's capacity to replenish them. For example, groundwater may be removed from an aquifer at a rate greater than the sustainable recharge. Removal of water from the pore spaces may cause permanent compaction that cannot be reversed.

Renewable resources may also include commodities such as wood, paper, and leather. Furthermore alcohol is also a renewable source of energy, similarly, oils from plants and seeds can used as even as a substitute for non-renewable diesel, last but not least methane is also considered as a renewable source of energy. Gasoline, coal, natural gas, diesel and other commodities derived from fossil fuel are non-renewable. Unlike non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels, a renewable resource can have a sustainable yield.