The ancient Hindu philosophy and philosophy of Prakriti (प्रकृति), as a concept dealing profoundly with nature, provides antique knowledge, which very closely correlates with present-day environmental ethics. Tracing the ecological strands of Hinduism, you'd find a far-fetched apprehension of nature that is several thousand years ahead of modern environmentalism. 

Meaning of Prakriti in Hindu Philosophy 

In Hindu philosophy, Prakriti represents primordial nature or the material principle. In contrast to Western philosophical traditions, which often dissociate humans from nature, an Indian standpoint considers humans to be part of Prakriti-we're not apart from nature, but part of it. It is this fundamental unity that provides the basis for sustainable coexistence with the environment.

According to  the Bhagavad Gita, that it is Prakriti() that provides the raw material for all creations. In Chapter 13, verse 20,  Krishna says:  

“Know that Prakriti and Purusha are both beginningless; and know also that all modifications and qualities are born of Prakriti.” (Bhagavad Gita 13.20)

This pronouncement places nature as the divine creative force from which all matter evolves. Then Krishna described further in Chapter 7, verses 4-5:

“Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect and ego-these constitute My lower Prakriti. Know My higher nature, which is the life element that sustains the universe.” (Bhagavad Gita 7:4-5)

Scripture and Environmental Ethics
Atharva Veda-the fourth Veda-is filled with hymns glorifying Bhumi (Earth) as the sustainer of all life. Atharva Veda 12.1.35 states,

“The Earth is my mother and I am her son; Heaven is my father and may he fill us with plenty.”

The Ishavasya Upanishad begins with an ecological view of great significance:

“Everything in the universe belongs to the Divine. Therefore take only what you need, that is set aside for you. Do not take anything else, for you know to whom it belongs.” (Ishavasya Upanishad, verse 1)

This ancient verse expresses an incredibly contemporaneous concept of sustainable consumption—take only what you require and recognize that resources do not solely belong to humanity but instead to all sentient beings.


Pragmatic Implications for Contemporary Life
How would an ancient mode of living find its relevance in the present-day world for a Hindu practitioner?

Reverence for all forms of life: The idea of Ahimsa (non-violence) goes beyond humans to include all living creatures and, hence, leads to ideas of vegetarianism or simply a reduction in meat consumption that can considerably lower an individual's environmental footprint.
Mindful consumption: The yogic principle of aparigraha (non-possessiveness) instructs us to ask whether we really need what we consume, thus fostering a lifestyle of simplicity, waste reduction, and resource depletion.
Interconnectedness: The Upanishadic teaching, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), reminds us that harm to the environment anywhere harms everyone. This awareness can empower the informed choice of products with global supply chains.
Sacred geography: Rivers such as the Ganga, mountains like the Himalayas, and trees such as the peepal are sacred in Hinduism. The very tradition of seeing divinity in nature generates enormous motivation for the protection of the environment.

Transitioning into Hindu Environmental Ethics
Incorporate Hindu traditions as you are adopting:

Commence your day with Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), a physical homage to our dependence on solar energy.
Express gratitude before meals for the cosmological system linking the earth and food to your plate.
Observe fasts on chosen days, restraining resource consumption.
Plant sacred trees such as tulsi (holy basil), which allows for air purification as well as linking you with tradition.

Thus elaborated beautifully in the Bhagavata Purana (11.2.41):

"Ether, air, fire, water, earth, planets, all creatures, directions, trees and plants, rivers and seas, they are all organs of God's body. Remembering this, a devotee respects all species."

In Hinduism, awakening the conscience regarding the environment is never treated as something separate from spiritual practice; it is integrally embedded within it. In so doing, by recognizing Prakriti as divine and understanding your role within it, the Hindu way is not merely a religion but an entire sustainable way of life on our common planet.