Is It Scarce?
A farmer has a water irrigation contract that requires the water user to use the entire allocation of water to water crops, whether or not all the water is needed for crop irrigation. If the farmer does not use all the water, her or she will receive a smaller allocation next year.
Not scarce
At closing time, restaurants in the United States are required to throw away all eaten food. To meet health standards for food preparation and the safety of consumers, the food cannot be stopped for the next day. Also, the law prohibits restaurant employees from giving the food to the poor or dispersing it to local food banks.
Not scarce
Old economic textbooks collected in a bookcase near the teacher's desk with a sign that says "Free books, take as many as you want." The books have been there for three years.
Not scarce
One economics textbook, five students who are not in economics, and an important test in economics class the next day.
Not scarce
Pebbles are taken from the beach to build a walkway in a homeowner's lawn. No one else wants the pebbles. The pebbles are not necessary for the lake's ecosystem or animal habitat.
Not scarce
Petroleum in Saudi Arabia, a country with many oil fields and oil reserves.
Not scarce
Water fountains in Rome flow constantly with water carried by viaducts from the Italian mountains. People walking in Rome quench with thirst by drinking from the fountains. But most of the water flows into the street and down and down the drains to a river that passes through the city.
Not scarce
Old economic textbooks collected in a bookcase near the teacher's desk with a sign that says "Free books, take as many as you want." Another sign is posted in the hallway says "$10 paid for any recycled textbook. Bring books to the principle's office."
Scarce
One economics textbook, five students who wish to do well in the economics course, and an important test in class the next day.
Scarce
Oxygen is taken from the air and stopped in containers. When divers wish to stay underwater for long periods of time, they purchase container-stored oxygen and breathe from it during their underwater activities.
Scarce
Petroleum in Japan, a country without its own oil fields and without oil reserves.
Scarce