This article investigates Lao Zi's environmental philosophy. Some notions in Lao Zi's philosophy, such as “contentment” (zhi zu), “frugality” (qu she) and “zhou xing er bu tai” carry the connotation of reducing production and preserving resources. It seems, however, that Lao Zi's notion of a “return to nature” stems merely from optimism. It, in fact, goes contrary to the advancement of human civilization. This paper attempts to examine how to fuse the advancements of today's technology with the wisdom of Lao Zi's inherent environmental conservatism. It tries to strip the Lao Zi of its feudal tendencies and use it as an impetus for today's environmental protection movement.