The Side Effect of Market Mechanism The market mechanism might also select the wrong choice about HOW to produce. Consider the message that unregulated markets communicate to producers. In an unregulated market, (31) price would be charged for using air or waterways, since (32) is owned by any individual. Producers, (33) would regard the use of air and waterways as a "free" good. Under such circumstances it would be a lot cheaper for a factory to dump its waste into nearby waterways than to dispose of it more carefully. It would also be (34) for power plants to let waste gases and soot go up in smoke than to install environmental safeguards. The resulting pollutants are an externality—a cost imposed (35) innocent third parties. Consumers would be worse off as the quality of the air and water deteriorated. Profit-driven producers would seldom worry about externalities in a completely unregulated marketplace. (36). profit-and-loss considerations the only determinant of HOW goods were produced, we might end up destroying the environment. To prevent such a calamity, we look (37) the government to regulate HOW goods are produced, thereby rectifying market failures. The market might also (38) to distribute goods and services in the best possible way. A market system rewards people (39) to their value in the marketplace. Sports stars, entertainers, and corporate executives end up with huge paychecks while others toil for meager wages. Big paychecks provide access to more output; people with little paychecks get much less of (40) is produced.