Does Orthodox Judaism have a stance on the environment?
Jews have been accused of overpopulating the earth, using disposables, and generally not caring about the environment. Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe outlines the sources in the Torah and writings that deal with environmental issues, from the Garden of Eden to acid rain to endangered species. He concludes with the Chassidic explanation for the purpose of creation. Our goal is not to remake the world for our convenience but to create a vessel for G-dliness to rest in harmoniously.
