The US has what can be described as a consumer based economy, can this be sustained as the ingredients run out

Answer 1

This should not be a be a problem if the market is allowed to work efficiently. If the government interferes and messes it up then perhaps it won't be sustained because we will lose innovation that is so important. For example if we run out of oil, we will research new technologies and find substitutes. Perhaps hydrogen, or liquefied coal, or something we have not heard about yet. The economy should be fine if the market is allowed to work efficiently sending signals with prices. If something is running out then the price needs to go up. If the price goes up people have incentive to figure out new ways to conserve and they will look for new technologies that switch too.

Answer 2

Sulli's right on point, I would add simply the idea of scarcity being the prime reason why an ingredient would be effectively managed, simple supply and demand would force us to look else where. Copper was thought to be a resource soon to be rare, as it turns out with other technology, there's still plenty to be had.

Answer 3

No. Unless there are new ingredients to replace the old ones which are as desirable get your Twinkies and Oreos now don't worry about the sell by dates they are very full of preservative and will last well into the next century.

Answer 4

What exactly are these ingredients that are going to run out?
Why exactly will no new ingredients be innovated?
.