Some sources of energy regenerate as we use them. Wind, sun, water and geothermal energy are examples of renewable energy. These sources are abundant, but because the infrastructure is not in place to harvest them, they are not as widely used as non-renewable energy sources. These include fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. The uranium used to make nuclear power is also non-renewable. These sources will eventually run out, because human beings use them far faster than they can renew themselves. This makes conservation essential.
Cars are a huge drain on the world's supply of oil. Not only does it take a lot of gasoline to run a car, it requires a lot of non-renewable resources to make new cars. Driving your car responsibly and making it last so it doesn't have to be replaced as quickly are good ways to conserve non-renewable resources. Ride a bicycle instead of driving, which uses your own renewable muscle power. Carpool so that you and a friend or two are taking one car instead of two or more to the same location. When you must buy a new car, purchase one with the best possible gas mileage.
At home, you probably keep your environment cool or warm enough for your comfort using non-renewable resources. You can significantly conserve non-renewable energy by dressing warm enough in the winter to allow you to turn your furnace down. In the summer, open your windows early in the morning and in the evening when it's cool, and shade them during the hottest part of the day to keep the cool air in and reduce your need for air conditioning. Also, at home strive to produce the least possible waste and reuse or recycle as much as you can.
When it comes to conservation, one big thing you can do is vote with your dollars. Seek out products that have the least amount of packaging and are made in the most resource-conservative way. In addition, consider purchasing as many products as possible second-hand. Many of these items still have lots of use left in them, and buying used will remove the need for a brand new item to be made for you and the stress that process puts on resources both renewable and non-renewable. Get as much use out of the items you do buy. You'll save on non-renewable energy by purchasing as locally as possible, reducing the need for items to be shipped over long distances to you.