The next World Day for the Abolition of Meat will be held on 31th January 2010.

Everyone likes to live a pleasant life; playing, spending time with friends, or just lying in the sun. We share that interest - to live as long and as happily as possible - with all sentient beings: humans, koalas, kangaroos, rabbits, fish, turkeys, cats, pigs, horses... No sentient being wants to end up locked in a truck destined for the slaughterhouse or to be suffocated in a fishing net. And yet six million of them are killed for their meat every hour around the world - not counting fish and other marine animals. The consumption of animals causes more suffering and death than any other human activity.

The majority of people believe that it's wrong to cause suffering or to kill an animal without good reason. It is even prohibited by law in many countries. There is also an increasing awareness that meat is not necessary for a healthy life.

It is self-evident that any activity that causes serious harm to others cannot be justified by individual freedom and must be abolished by society. Therefore, it is easy to understand that raising animals to send them to the slaughterhouse, or hunting and fishing for food should be banned.

It is time to abolish meat!

Source: No More Meat

In the past years I did my best (to a certain degree) to eat mostly vegetarian (including no fish). That didn't feel right anymore. This week I became a vegan. As few as possible, preferably no (derivative) animal products, whenever possible biological and fair-trade.

Reason? While setting up the To Live Well website, on the Internet I read, saw and heard a lot about the well-being of plants, animals and human beings on our planet. And that changed my attitude towards life again. It is time to make some changes.

Well-being starts at To Live Well - Quality of Life Information Portal and Social Meeting Point

NOW is the time to change, I don't depend on the results of the negotiation results of big leaders and bosses ... 'Beat the Heat Now' is something you have to do yourself!

I can make the difference for myself from this moment on, and I invite you to make the difference in 2010, together with me. By making conscious choices for a better, enjoyable life, naturally you do that by yourself, and with a little help from To Live Well, together!

Two months ago I concluded that there is no central portal on the Internet with (links to and sharing of) information about quality of life and well-being. To Live Well would like to fulfill this role together with big and little people.

I invite everybody who wants to be helpful to share information on living consciously and responsibly."If the climate would have been a bank it would have been saved long since ..." In that way, while working together, connecting again more firmly with quality of life.

If you're interested in writing columns once a month, draw cartoons, manage a section, moderate the forum, sponsor the non-profit initiative, or if you have suggestions please let us know ... Fill in the contact form!

2010: Enjoy all life

In the next article I will address the question 'what is quality of life and well-being', and (how) can we live accordingly in our daily life. Nice challenge for me!

Main focusIn the beginning of 2010 the dutch part of the website will have the main focus. To go there click on the dutch flag .

Well-being starts at To Live Well - Quality of Life Information Portal and Social Meeting Point

Even the simplest everyday activities can make a real difference to the environment.
Start off by measuring your impact...

The way we use the planet's resources makes up our ecological footprint.

Use WWF's global footprint calculator and and learn how small steps can make a BIG difference!
Then find out what you can do to reduce it...

Source: WWF