Earth Day - 22 April (2013)

                                                                                                        Source: Being Vegan                                               

                                 What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to live a vegan lifestyle!


As a species, we can help save our planet from depletion through a method as ridiculously simple as eating a plant based diet. Yes - if you are vegan, you are already contributing to this effort - whatever the reason for your decision to abstain from using any animal products. But if you knew the facts, which by the way have been distorted and completely twisted by the global giants of the Animal Industry, you would take the truth as a responsibility and contribute even more to the healing of our precious Earth.

Dr Richard A. Oppenlander in his book 'Comfortably Unaware' captures the whole scope of Global Depletion. Instead of focusing on issues that branch off from the actual problem, this book reveals and lays on the table the issue society seems to be avoiding - the fact that global warming is only a small piece in the growing puzzle of Global Depletion of renewable and non-renewable resources. He states:

"Meat and dairy industries are responsible for using 45% of Earth's entire landmass and 29% of all fresh water withdrawals, they produce over 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 80% of all rainforest loss, cause over 50% of all modern day extinctions, eating up 77% of all coarse grain produced in the world, and causing more water and land pollution in the U.S. than all other industries combined. Our demand to eat fish has caused the collapse of 85% of the world's fisheries with more than 1,000 fish species now endangered--on the verge of extinction." 

So take the chance to learn what everyone should have been taught a long time ago, share the facts and tell them why every environmentalist should be vegan. Make a difference in your immediate environment. 

After all - the Earth is what we all have in common.

"Veg head"

Source unknown

- You are what you eat -

* Becoming vegan - living your truth *

To me the most dangerous phrase in any language is;  "We've always done it this way". I am thinking of the many who are still holding their sense of mercy in check for fear of social disapproval, for standing out in the crowd. 

Changing the world begins with the very personal process of changing yourself, the only place you can begin is where you are, the only time you can begin is always now. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone. I can personally testify that the best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies, no excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.  

Choose to align yourself with people who are like-minded, your life is simplified enormously when you don't have to defend yourself to anyone and when you receive support rather than criticism.

As you walk around with this illumination, this beautiful light, you change that which is dark. This is the day your life really begins.  

For me personally the journey of 'living my truth' began the day I decided to become vegan.

'The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous'  -- Emile Zola

There are no excuses, I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that benefit or are profitable to the human race. The pain we inflict upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my objection toward all of it - that one meal soon forgotten in exchange for a whole life, the cruelty of the dairy industry, the egg and chicken hatcheries, the slaughter houses, the rodeos, the bull runs, the zoos, the pet shops, the cattle farms, the production of foie gras, the hunting industry, the clubbing and killing of so many creatures for their fur, their meat, their fins. My only concern is the suffering which we deliberately inflict upon the voiceless, tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves.  

Yes, I am hopeful - not because I am foolishly romantic - my hope is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, kindness. I believe by living a life of compassion, by being vegan, you will not know whose life you actually touched, but the fact is that you unmistakably did. Gentleness and compassion are engulfing our world today, the only question is whether or not you are willing to join the revolution. I believe that if you really want to do something you'll find a way, if you don't you'll find an excuse.

So Please.... Honor them, Love them, Help them, Heal them, but above all else, Free them.

Vegan Passport

As a vegan, one of the things I have become increasingly concerned about is travelling.

Exploring abroad can turn into a miserable experience if you battle to communicate with the locals of the specific country. 

So my advise is to do as much research as you possible can before going. This means looking for restaurant guides, finding the translations for words like 'vegan' 'no animal products' and 'dairy and meat'.

There are many websites that can assist you like the Happy Cow or The Veg Guide.

Another great tool is the Vegan Passport. This little book covers 73 languages, which you can use all over the word to hand to chef's or waiters in order to ensure your meal is completely animal-free.

So don't put off your travels because of your cruelty-free lifestyle, simple adapt and explore the many possibilities and adventures.

Happy vegan travels!  

Speak up!

"The world suffers a lot... Not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people."  Napoleon

In a society of meat eaters it is often challenging to be vegan.

People ask questions, make uneducated statements and attack when they feel uncomfortable.

This often results in the 'silence' Napoleon speaks of.

Rather than feel intimidated, I have decided to educate myself enough to stand up for what is right.

This does not necessarily mean that I need to know all the facts and figures, but rather have the confidence not to crumble under pressure when probed by others. 

Confidence is powerful in discussions, and seeming flustered and anxious will only weaken the cause.

Picture from www.zazzle.com

So I say, speak up... for those who can't.