While salt can help prevent slippery roads after a winter storm, always be mindful of how much salt you use to clear your driveway and sidewalk. According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the salt we use eventually enters our waterways where wildlife can be harmed. Using too much salt can also corrode vehicles, hurt animal paws, damage concrete and kill plants. Follow these tips from the MWRD to help minimize your salt usage:
Shovel first - Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.
Use sparingly - More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug should be enough salt for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (250 square feet).
Spread - Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt!
Sweep - If salt is left over on the ground after the ice melts, you used too much! Sweep up leftover salt to keep it out of rivers and streams.
Switch - Salt stops working if the temperature drops below 15 degrees. When it gets this cold, switch to sand.