Such systems tend to be highly destructive of the environment as they require massive consumption of natural capital and energy, return the end product (waste) to the environment in a form that damages the environment and require more natural capital be consumed in order to feed the system. Where resources and space are finite (the Earth isn’t getting any bigger) this is ultimately not sustainable.Â
The presence of waste is an indication of overconsumption and that materials are not being used efficiently. This is carelessly reducing the Earths capacity to supply new raw materials in the future. The capacity of the natural environment to absorb and process these materials is also under stress. Valuable resources in the form of matter and energy are lost during waste disposal, requiring that a greater burden be placed on ecosystems to provide these. The main problem is the sheer volume of waste being produced and how we deal with it.s