How to Salt Smartly: Protecting Nature and Your Wallet

Winter brings snow, and with it, the urge to grab the salt shaker. But before you go overboard, consider this: too much salt is a big problem for the environment. When snow melts or it rains, that salt doesn't just disappear. It washes into lakes, rivers, and streams, turning them salty and harmful to plants and fish. Plus, it can damage sidewalks and driveways over time. So, how much salt is enough? Experts say a coffee mug full is plenty for a 20-foot driveway or ten sidewalk squares. That's about 1, 000 square feet. And here's a tip: the less snow you have, the less salt you'll need. If you see leftover salt, you're probably using too much. You can even sweep it up and reuse it next time. But what if it's really cold out? Salt isn't effective when temperatures drop below 15 degrees. So, you might need to look for other ways to melt ice. There are plenty of alternatives to regular salt. Some people use Epsom salt, which is gentler on the environment. But it's slower and doesn't work as well in very cold weather. Others use sand for traction, but it doesn't melt ice. Some creative folks even use coffee grounds or pickle juice brine. Yes, really! Another idea is to make your own brine. Mix rock salt with hot water, pour it into a sprayer, and apply it in a zig-zag pattern. This uses less salt than spreading it by hand. But before you switch to alternatives, remember: they might be more expensive or not work as well. It's all about finding the right balance between keeping your walkways safe and protecting the environment.