Green Calgary

Tips

Jan
13
2011

The Scoop on “Green” De-Icers

Filed in: Yard & Garden

Using rock salt as a side walk de-icer has long been an easy and inexpensive way of clearing snow and ice from our sidewalks.  Unfortunately the environmental impacts of using rock salt, which is usually sodium chloride- NaCl, are numerous. This popular alternative to a good ‘ole shovel is known to destroy the surrounding soil which grows valuable vegetation in the summer months.  Vegetation that acts as a buffer, slowing run off from entering the water ways.  This run off which typically carries the left over salt and other contaminants, then makes its way into our freshwater and builds up to concentration levels that further affect aquatic plants and organisms.

Some de-icers claim to be a “green” alternative.  It’s very difficult to read through the lines to determine whether many products truly are green, and de-icers are no different.  Some eco-friendly de-icers claim they use ‘natural’ ingredients but sodium chloride is still an active ingredient in many of these products. 

As an alternative, we suggest clearing all snow with a shovel before it builds up to ice.  If you happen to forget or need to be extra cautious, using coarse sand, kitty litter or even sawdust are great substitutes.

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