What are collectively consumed goods?

Collectively consumed goods, also known as public goods, are resources that are available for use by all members of a community without exclusion or competition. These goods are typically non-rivalrous, meaning one person's consumption does not reduce availability for others, and non-excludable, meaning it is difficult to prevent individuals from using them. Examples include clean air, public parks, and national defense. Because they are often underprovided in a free market, collective consumption often requires government intervention or community management.