Icy surfaces outside of homes and businesses are one of the worst things about winter. The idea of slipping and falling is something most folks dread. They can be particularly dangerous for older people or those with particular medical conditions. It’s common to throw down some rock salt to melt away the snow, slush and ice. However, that stuff can be pretty bad for the environment and for certain surfaces. As a responsible individual, you’ll want to find less damaging methods to get rid of the icy stuff in a manner that’s also fairly simple. Fortunately, there are some eco-friendly products you can put down on ice this winter to achieve safe and easy-to-navigate walkways.

The Problem with Ice Melt

Ice melt is typically made from such substances as magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and sodium chloride. All of these are bad for the environment. They can run off into drains and sewers once the temperatures begin to warm up. This runoff deposits these significant amounts of these substances into soil, surface water and ground water sources.The effects can be hazardous to aquatic, soil and plant life.

Natural Household Byproducts

There are a number of eco-friendly ice and snow removal ideas. Some of the most convenient and free options come from your own household waste. Used coffee grinds are something you may not have considered. Ash from the fireplace and sand from your summer play equipment are also contenders. They provide traction to lessen chances of slipping. The darker colors and shiny materials can also absorb the sun’s ray’s helping ice to melt more rapidly.

Sugar Beet Juice

Sugar beet juice actually lowers the freezing point of water, effectively melting ice when poured on frozen surfaces. You can mix a solution of your own by combining two pounds of salt with a gallon of water, then adding a cupful of sugar beet juice to the mixture. It might be easier to purchase an already-prepared solution. Either way, this option is better for the environment than commercial ice melt.

Organic Salt-Free De-Icer

There are salt-free de-icers that are organic. You can buy one of these and use it as you would a traditional ice melt. This option is more expensive, but you can use it without guilt or worry.

Alfalfa Meal

Alfalfa meal is a natural substance that is typically used for crop fertilizer. It’s also highly effective at melting ice and snow. Its grainy texture adds bonus traction for making walk areas and driveways safer.

These are some of the more common and easily attainable eco-friendly products to put down on ice this winter. It’s a good idea to add these to your winter preparation list so that you’re ready for when the snow falls.