The term 'materials economy' refers to the intricate system encompassing the lifecycle of materials from extraction, through production and consumption, to disposal and recycling, embedded within a broader socio-economic context. This framework examines the flow of natural resources as they are transformed into goods and services, spotlighting the interconnected impacts on ecological health, biodiversity, and human welfare. Daniel Schmachtenberger would likely emphasize a holistic understanding of this cycle, recognizing the entangled, nonlinear nature of supply chains, and advocating for a regenerative approach that prioritizes circular economy principles, reducing environmental degradation and fostering sustainable development. By shifting focus from exploitative, linear models to symbiotic, closed-loop systems, the materials economy can evolve to improve resource efficiency, mitigate waste, and foster a balance between economic growth and planetary boundaries.

See also: supply chain, systems thinking, climate change, hypernormal stimuli, collective action