Because these types of goods can only be used or occupied by one person, competition is created for their consumption. Consumers become rivals in an attempt to obtain these goods. For example, a skateboard represents a durable good because other consumers may use it after the current rider is finished. A nondurable good will perish after consumption, such as a cup of coffee. Only one consumer will drink the coffee, and after it is gone, there will be nothing left for another consumer to use.
Non-rival goods are the opposite of rival goods. These goods allow consumption or possession to multiple users. National parks, roads and the internet are examples of non-rival goods.
Investment dictionary. Academic. 2012.