Every year at about this time, I get a yearning for a more simple way of life. A life that doesn't involve being bombarded with endless ads for x% off or buy a new sofa/kitchen/table/bed/car or your Christmas holiday will become a fate worse than death

It really does get to me. I hate consumerism in general. It annoys me intensely that we waste so many resources making cheap non-essential rubbish that will end up in landfill a few months later. I think I must be some kind of grumpy, odd ball though as despite all the headlines about the economy and stagnant pay rises, the shops always seem to be rammed.
Anyhow, I am planning to step back from it all in 2018:
- no spending on unnecessary stuff. For example, I have enough clothes to last for years in one wardrobe and one chest of drawers. Books will come from the library. No fripperies!!
- replace essential items where possible with good quality items preferably second hand, or british made or local where applicable
- increase cooking from scratch. I buy too many things like biscuits etc that are far nicer and healthier homemade
- make full use of garden and allotment for fruit, veg, preserves and wine.
- forage for fruit, fungi, wood ....
- spend more time outside, gardening, walking, enjoying nature to improve mental and physical well being
- spend more time with my mum who is 76 and beginning to need me more
- avoid pressure to conform!
Anyone got any further ideas in how I could simplify life?