All that was created was tailor-made to be benefitted by mankind in the best possible manner. And when abused it would become harmful to him. It is man's duty to recognize and to appreciate all these things that G-d does for him. It is mankind alone who is entrusted with this sublime ability and who is capable of this. This may seem like an easy task, but in fact it is not.
Human nature is to appreciate initially, and then gradually to take for granted whatever one has.
We are given precepts and obligations in order to constantly remember the One who gave us all of this. G-d put man in control of the world and all that is therein. Man with his actions can bring the entire universe to its highest use in serving him to enable him to recognize his Creator, or he can degrade it to its lowest form by using it as a means to fill his lusts and base desires. It is all dependent on his free will which direction he chooses for himself. Should he wish to use the world to serve his Creator and show his appreciation for all He has done and come closer to Him, he will not only raise himself, but the entire universe which serves him will rise with him to its ultimate purpose.