Green on the Sidewalk

Just because our corner of the world is still white doesn’t mean we can’t think ‘green’!  Did you know that sidewalk salt does more than melt the ice?  It also kills grass and plants, damages our cars and concrete, pollutes our water supply, and can make our pets sick!  If you are simply looking for traction, there are other natural options such as wood ash, sawdust, and sand.  These are effective traction materials that either biodegrade or have minimal effect on nature.  Avoid the popular kitty litter; the clay can clog sewer systems, damage plants, and was probably strip-mined.  For melting, skip the salts or fertilizers and look for a magnesium-chloride based product.  Studies have shown it is not only less damaging to the environment, but also has superior melting power.  Many hardware and garden stores sell this in liquid or ‘salt’ form; just be sure to check the label.