Green Alternatives to Salt for De-icing Sidewalks and Driveways

Snow and ice are major problems in many states across the U.S. When the weather gets bad and snow and ice start accumulating, many homeowners have to shovel and salt their driveways, porches, and sidewalks. Keeping walkways free of ice is necessary and considerate to pedestrians who use them. While salting surfaces is important during winter, many people don't realize is that using salt has many negative environmental consequences and isn't a good green option.

It's easy to think of salt as a natural substance. While it is found in nature, it can cause a lot of environmental problems. Salt can easily run off roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces and salinate soil and water. Those with a lot of money invested into their lawns and gardens could see a lot of damage long after snow and ice is gone. Higher amounts of salt in soil can make conditions unbearable for plants and can kill all different kinds of vegetation, including expensive grasses. Salt can also run off surfaces and end up in waterways, including nearby rivers, streams, and lakes. Salinity increases in water can also damage wild plants and animals. It can even get into groundwater supplies can cause problems over a larger area.

Although salt is an effective de-icer, there are other greener ways to clear your walkways of ice. A good alternative is magnesium chloride, such as that sold by Safe Step. Magnesium chloride is also a naturally occurring substance that effectively melts ice and snow on hard surfaces. Unlike salt, magnesium chloride is much more biodegradable and water-soluble. Because of this it's a greener way to de-ice roads, sidewalks, and porches and is better at protecting plants and other vegetation as well as bodies of water.

Magnesium chloride is a great alternative to salt, but there are some cons to it as well. First, Magnesium chloride is more expensive; a 50 lb bag sells for about $20. Unlike salt, magnesium chloride is more effective when it's applied on hard surfaces before ice and snow begin to accumulate. It's sometimes hard to predict just when ice will form so using magnesium chloride before any accumulation can seem wasteful. However, if you apply it after snow and ice end up on sidewalks it can take longer for it to melt and you may need to apply more than you would if you put it down before.

Overall, magnesium chloride is a great way to go green with keeping your porch, sidewalk, and driveway clear of ice. Check out this product at your local hardware store.