How can I live a simpler life?

I want to live a simpler life. I want to make my own butter, and grow my own vegetables and herbs. I have a garden. I want to basically be self-sufficient or almost self-sufficient, living without common resources like electricity and cars whenever possible. How can I do this, though, if I live in the suburbs? And how can I do this at all?

Related posts:

1. Does anyone here live on an island? How long have you lived there? What is it like?
2. would you like to live in a Commune/community?
3. I Want Self Sufficient Living!