A simple life must have balance at its core.
We have no choice but to consume to stay alive, but it is our responisibility to strive to consume only what can be renewed. In our over-populated world the first and easiest thing we can do as individuals is to reduce waste in any way we can. We can spend less money, recycle, place value on what lasts and is most practical, and always question and improve our actions.
It is important to see ourselves as being a part of the environment. We are a product of the world. It does not belong to us. We must focus clearly on the idea that there are not an infinite amount of resources in the world.
Living renewably is hard. With effort and political will it will get easier.