The citizens of Pawnee drink from a water fountain by placing their whole mouth on the nozzle. Ann correctly points out the externality in the situation that by kissing one water fountain drinker, you’re kissing them all.
See more: common resources, externalities, negative externalities, private benefits, social costs
The pollution from the local factory creates a beautiful sunset, but it also gives people asthma. Ben and Leslie debate whether the beauty of the sunset is worth the tradeoff. Reducing pollution to zero would be extremely expensive, so it’s important to find some optimal level of pollution.
See more: externalities, negative externalities, positive externalities, private benefits, private costs, social benefits, social costs, social incentives, tradeoffs
Ron finds a typewriter out by the dumpster, but the noise of the machine bothers everyone in the office. While it makes him happy, he’s not taking into consideration the costs he is imposing on everyone else.
See more: externalities, private benefits, private costs, social benefits, social costs
Ron invites Mark over to his workshop because he needs a license in order to continue selling products. Ron describes how he shouldn’t have to follow government regulations about toxic chemicals because he’s the only one breathing the fumes. If he isn’t bothering others then he doesn’t feel the need to be regulated.
See more: externalities, government regulation, licensing, private costs, regulation, safety regulations, social costs
Ron describes his promotion to manager of a sheet metal factory at the age of 9, but regrets that child labor laws are now ruining this country. Child labor laws a good example of decreasing in supply of labor for the early 1900s and a service as a good discussion on the role of government.
See more: child labor, efficiency, equity, externalities, labor, minimum wage, regulation, safety regulations, social costs, supply shifts, sweatshops
Leslie tries to turn a local pit into a community garden and allow citizens to plant whatever they chose in the garden. One citizen has taken advantage of the situation and decided to plant marijuana in the garden instead of vegetables or flowers.
See more: common resources, free rider problem, incentives, public goods, social costs, types of goods
Ann and Leslie are trying to convince local residents that a park would be a good alternative to a giant pit located near their homes. The two of them go door-to-door framing their questions to garner public support, but one local resident doesn’t want a park built near her house because of all the potential negative externalities associated with them.
See more: externalities, framing, negative externalities, public goods, rent seeking, social costs
Economics of Parks & Recreation 