Humans have been making New Year’s resolutions since the very beginning. Ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year, pledging that they would return borrowed objects and pay back their debts. And today things are no different. The Journal of Clinical Psychology reported on the top ten New Year’s resolutions of 2014. The list is filled with admirable goals, but as the report also confirms, promises are tough to keep, with only 8% of resolution-setters succeeding at doing so.
That said, with LEAF’s help, 2015 can be different. We’re here to help make sticking to your resolutions easy as can be. Here’s how:
1. Lose Weight. A healthy diet is a key component of any shape-up plan. With LEAF’s Edible Garden Kits, you can grow your own fruit at home, making it easy to eat well. Pawpaws are also incredibly nutritional – they are full of antioxidants and vitamin C. In fact, one pawpaw fruit has twice as much vitamin C as one apple!
2. Get Organized. LEAF takes the guesswork out of young tree care. Sign up for our five-year maintenance package and we’ll take care of an annual application of mulch, tree health assessment and minor pruning as needed. In year three, four or five (depending on tree species and when it’s most appropriate), we’ll also conduct structural pruning to ensure a strong growing structure and healthy future for your tree.
3. Spend Less, Save More. Ordering a subsidized backyard tree is a wise financial decision. For just $165-$235, you can get an arborist consultation, 5-8 foot tree and full planting service! Plus, your new tree can provide additional savings on your energy bill. Check out our Ontario Residential Tree Benefits Estimator to learn more!
4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest. Connect with other urban forest enthusiasts and help green your neighbourhood by becoming a LEAF volunteer! We’re recruiting EAB Ambassadors, Garden Stewards and Outreach Team members for 2015 – all great ways to get involved and give back to your community!
5. Stay Fit and Healthy. Exercising at the gym can get dull. Why not get outside to stay fit? LEAF offers Tree Tours throughout Toronto and York Region that allow you to explore the urban forest while enjoying some fresh air and fitness. We’re even part of the Healthy Hikes program!
6. Learn Something Exciting. Always wanted to learn more about trees and how to care for them? Sign up for Tree Tenders Volunteer Training and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.
7. Quit Smoking. Okay, so we may not be able to help with this one. But by improving air quality, trees can ameliorate cardiovascular and respiratory health. Check out A Healthy Dose of Green to learn more about the link between trees and human health.
8. Help Others in Their Dreams. Resolutions don’t have to be all about me, me, me. Help someone else achieve their green goals by giving a gift certificate that can be redeemed for trees, shrubs, garden kits or Tree Tenders Training.
9. Fall in Love. Tired of that boring old lawn? Spruce things up with a Native Garden Kit for the spring season! An assortment of perennials and shrubs delivered right to your door, along with plans to assist you with garden design and planting, offer a simple way to make your outdoor space swoon-worthy.
10. Spend More Time with Family…your LEAF family, that is! Take a minute to “like” us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram – or better yet, do all three! Make sure you’re in the loop so that you don’t miss a single great LEAFy event in 2015!
Whatever resolution you choose, LEAF can help you achieve your goals! Contact us to find out more about how you can improve your life, while improving the health of the urban forest at the same time!
Melissa Williams is LEAF's Residential Planting Programs Manager.