When it comes to removing snow and ice from your driveway many
people turn to salt. But salt can damage soil and plants,
contaminate groundwater, and corrode driveways, car bodies and even
household floors.
The most sustainable way to de-ice your car or driveway is to
other remedies that do not include harmful chemicals or too much
back-breaking work.
- To help clear your windshield, fill windshield wiper reservoir
with one part water and two parts vinegar or use water and rubbing
alcohol. Then make sure your windshield wipers are in working
condition. - Spray or pour lukewarm (NOT hot) water over the
windshield. - Cover the windshield with the vinegar and water mixture to help
prevent ice buildup. - Cover the windshield with a rug or scrap piece of carpet the
night before snow or ice. - Hire someone to shovel your driveway.
Other ice melting products are available but can be harmful to
the environment, children and pets, so be sure to read the label.
Many of the pellets you put down on the driveway to melt the ice,
such as
Driveway Heat, contain chemicals that are considered to be
nontoxic if used correctly but are still just as harmful as salt.
Children and pets are especially at risk because these products
heat up ? some to 175 degrees ? to break the ice away from the
driveway. Pets can get the pellets stuck in their paws and end up
burnt, or worse, ingesting them. The same is true for children.
Anything you track onto your carpet can end up in children’s eyes
or mouths.
Some
chemicals are less harmful to the environment and your family.
Safe Paw makes an ice melting
product that is specifically designed to keep children and pets
safe.
Cryotech
E36 is acetate-based and is considered nontoxic. Calcium
magnesium acetate (CMA) is a better alternative to salt, but can
still be harmful to the environment. The key is the amount of
rainfall. The area affected needs adequate moisture to wash the
chemicals away.
Some products are also available to help you
shovel snow. One example is the
wovel, which uses your body
weight to remove snow and is easier on your back.
Do you have an ice removal remedy? Share your tips or stories in
the comments section below. You can also learn about ice damming by
clicking
here.