What is defined as a substance in the environment that is useful to people and socially acceptable to use?

A resource is defined as a substance in the environment that is useful to people and socially acceptable to use. This encompasses a wide range of materials, including natural resources like water, minerals, and forests, as well as human-made resources that contribute to societal needs. Resources are integral to economic activities, allowing societies to thrive by providing the raw materials necessary for production, consumption, and various services. The term specifically highlights the socially acceptable aspect, indicating that not all substances are categorized as resources—only those that meet societal norms and add value to human life.

The other options have different connotations. A commodity refers to a basic good used in commerce that is interchangeable with others of the same type, but it does not necessarily encompass the broader social acceptability factor. An asset typically refers to an economic resource owned by an individual or entity that has value and can provide future benefits, but this term is more commonly used in financial contexts rather than environmental ones. A product is a finished good or service that is ready for sale or consumption, and while products are derived from resources, they typically don’t reflect the ongoing relationship to the environment in the same way that the concept of a resource does.