Frank Saltarelli Launches "Outdoor Living First" Personal Pledge to Encourage More Functional and Sustainable Urban Spaces

Montreal landscape designer Frank Saltarelli is inviting residents to rethink how they use outdoor spaces through practical daily habits that promote connection, sustainability, and better quality of life.
Frank Saltarelli, founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design, today announced the launch of his new "Outdoor Living First" Personal Pledge, a commitment aimed at encouraging homeowners and residents to make better use of their outdoor spaces while embracing more sustainable landscaping practices.

The pledge comes as cities across Canada face increasing urban density, shrinking green space, rising summer temperatures, and growing concerns about mental well-being. Saltarelli believes outdoor environments can play a larger role in addressing these challenges when they are designed and used intentionally.

The initiative was inspired by lessons Saltarelli has learned throughout his career designing backyards, rooftop terraces, and urban outdoor environments throughout Montreal.

"The best compliment isn't when someone says a project looks beautiful," said Saltarelli. "It's when they tell me they use the space every day without even thinking about it."

"One client had a rooftop they never used because the wind made it uncomfortable," Saltarelli recalled. "We added large planters as natural barriers. Suddenly they were having coffee there every morning."

"I remember one backyard with a huge dining setup," he said. "The homeowner later admitted they rarely used it because what they really wanted was a quiet place to sit after work."

"If a landscape requires constant fixing, it's not doing its job," Saltarelli added. "The goal is to create something that works with the environment, not against it."

These experiences led Saltarelli to develop a pledge centered on practical action rather than large-scale renovation projects.

Why This Issue Matters Right Now

Several trends have made outdoor living and sustainable landscaping increasingly important:

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More than 80% of Canadians live in urban areas, according to Statistics Canada.

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Research from the University of Exeter found that spending at least two hours per week in nature is associated with higher levels of health and well-being.

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The Environmental Protection Agency reports that urban areas can be significantly warmer than nearby rural areas due to the urban heat island effect.

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Studies have shown that native landscaping can reduce outdoor water use while supporting pollinators and local biodiversity.

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Recent home improvement surveys consistently show outdoor living spaces among the top renovation priorities for homeowners.

Saltarelli says these challenges require practical solutions that individuals can implement themselves.

Frank Saltarelli's 7 Personal Commitments

As part of the Outdoor Living First Pledge, Saltarelli is committing to the following actions:

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Spend at least 20 minutes outdoors every day whenever possible.

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Use native and climate-appropriate plants in personal landscaping projects.

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Design every outdoor space around actual daily habits instead of trends.

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Reduce unnecessary outdoor clutter and prioritize usable space.

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Support local growers, suppliers, and craftspeople whenever possible.

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Continue educating homeowners about sustainable landscaping practices.

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Dedicate time each month to improving outdoor spaces that encourage people to gather, relax, and reconnect with nature.

Do It Yourself Toolkit: 10 Free Actions Anyone Can Take

Saltarelli is encouraging residents to begin with simple steps that cost little or nothing.

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Spend one meal outdoors each week.

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Remove unused furniture or clutter from outdoor areas.

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Identify one area that could become a relaxation space.

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Walk through a local park at least once a week.

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Observe where sunlight and shade naturally occur around your home.

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Plant seeds from native species when appropriate.

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Turn off screens and spend 15 minutes outside daily.

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Open windows more often to connect indoor and outdoor environments.

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Invite a friend or family member to spend time outdoors.

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Keep a notebook of ideas for improving outdoor spaces through small changes.

30-Day Outdoor Living Progress Tracker

Week 1

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Spend 15-20 minutes outdoors daily.

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Identify one outdoor area you use regularly.

Week 2

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Remove clutter from one outdoor space.

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Spend one meal outside.

Week 3

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Add a plant, planter, or natural element.

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Track how often you use the space.

Week 4

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Invite others to enjoy the space with you.

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Reflect on what improvements had the biggest impact.

Take the Pledge

Saltarelli is encouraging homeowners, renters, property managers, and community members to adopt the Outdoor Living First Pledge in their own lives.

The goal is simple: create outdoor spaces that improve everyday living, support sustainability, and strengthen connections with nature.

Readers are invited to take the pledge, share the toolkit with friends and neighbors, and commit to one small outdoor improvement over the next 30 days.

To read the full interview, visit the website here [https://www.fashionabc.org/frank-saltarelli-turning-outdoor-spaces-into-everyday-living/].

About Frank Saltarelli

Frank Saltarelli is a Montreal-based landscape designer and founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design. Since 2014, he has specialized in creating functional, sustainable outdoor spaces that blend thoughtful design with everyday usability. His work focuses on helping homeowners transform backyards, rooftop terraces, and urban environments into spaces that support comfort, connection, and long-term environmental responsibility.

Contact:

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