The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reminds us that while road salt can help with icy roads, it can also harm our waterways. Excess salt can also corrode vehicles, hurt animal paws, damage concrete and kill plants. While there are greener options, like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, no salt products are good for the environment, so they all should be used sparingly. Follow these tips when salting:
Shovel first. Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.
Use Less. More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt should be enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (250 square feet).
Spread. Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt!
Sweep. If salt is leftover on the ground after the ice melts, sweep it up to keep it out of local rivers and streams.
Switch. Untreated salt stops working if the temperature is below 15 degrees. When temperatures drop that low, switch to sand for traction or choose a different deicer formulated for colder temperatures.