of how…为介词短语作后置定语，修饰 ways。

在 of how…中，how 引导的是宾语从句，介词 of 的宾语。

赞同波波老师的分析。how 可以引导一个宾语从句，作介词的宾语，如：

Whether the work was a success depends on how you look at it. 这工作是否成功取决于你如何看它。No agreement was reached as to how much we should pay. 关于我们应该付多少钱，没有达成协议。(摘自赵俊英：《现代英语语法》p.1230)

So I was thinking about all sorts of mechanical ways of how we can live more in tune with the environment rather than to exploit it?

of how 属于“介词+宾语从句”语法现象，这是英语中常见语法现象。介词+宾语从句构成介词短语在句子中做“定语或者状语”，以上句子是做后置定语，修饰前面的名词“ways”

英语句子中的“宾语”成分，如果宾语是“单词或者短语”通常只有以下2种情况

【1】“动词”+宾语；即“及物动词后面+名词/代词/动名词/从句”

【2】“介词”+宾语：即“介词+名词/代词/动名词/从句”

英语句子中的“宾语”成分，如果宾语是“从句”通常只有以下3种情况

【1】“动词宾语从句”：结构为“及物动词+从句”

Experts believe that the coming drought will be extensive. 专家们认为即将发生的旱灾将侵袭大片地区。

Could you tell me who knows the way to the museum? 你能告诉我谁知道去博物馆的路吗?

Those little children didn't know what was in their desks. 那些小孩不知道他们的书桌里有什么东西。

【2】“介词宾语从句”：结构为“介词+从句”

He was deeply displeased by what had occurred that day.他对那天发生的事感到很不快。

It all depends on how you handle it. 这都取决于你如何处理。

I often think about where I met you. 我常想起我见到你的地方。

【3】“形容词宾语从句”：结构为“be +形容词+that 从句”

I am not sure what I ought to do.我不能确定我该做什么。

I’m afraid that you don’t understand what I said.恐怕你没领会我说的意思。