4. The Negative Impacts of a Linear Economy on Resources, Habitats, Prices, Supply, and Environment

In a linear economy, resources are extracted from the environment to create products that at the end of their life cycle are simply discarded. This unsustainable system places tremendous strain on the environment and leads to several major disadvantages. Resource depletion is one consequence as natural resources are used up faster than they can be replaced. Additionally, ecosystems and habitats can be damaged or destroyed in the process of resource extraction. Furthermore, price volatility and raw material supply-interruption can both occur when demand outpaces the availability of resources, leading to further environmental degradation.