The question was posed by Alex Robinson of Alnwick, Northumberland: If consumer capitalism continues at its current rate, will the planet eventually reach a point where there is literally no space left for all the stuff that has been created?
The query is part of a long-running series in which readers answer other readers' questions on subjects ranging from trivial to profound scientific and philosophical concepts. Previous questions have included how it is physically possible to continue breaking sporting records.
Readers are invited to submit answers and new questions for the series, either in the comments section below or by email to nq@theguardian.com. A selection of responses will be published the following Sunday.
