http://www.greenlivingonline.com/EcoGeek/ask-the-eco-geek-sidewalk-de-icing/
(Feb 25, 2007)
Is there such a thing as an environmentally friendly way to de-ice my front walk? I've noticed pet-friendly salts and garden- and grass-friendly products, but are they all bad for the earth? - Matthew McConnell
Shovelling your sidewalk, chipping away ice and laying off any de-icer is the best approach, but in a province with as many freeze/thaw cycles as Ontario, sometimes safe passage requires a little extra. While rock salt (usually sodium chloride) is amazingly effective at melting ice, it’s also a highly corrosive toxin that ruins soil, contaminates groundwater and is harmful to pets. Kevin Mercer, executive director of RiverSides, a Toronto-based environmental group working to protect and improve urban watersheds, says before you look for formulas employing brewers sludge or volcanic rock, your most eco-friendly option may be to use fine sand or ashes in moderate amount. Both will help with traction and assist the sun in melting ice (and your cat can stick to its low-sodium diet). Many animal- and garden-friendly products are actually anti-icers that contain calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a compound that prevents ice from forming. These anti-icers are available in both liquid and granular form but require frequent use and the ability to predict the weather. If you still feel you have to use salt, you should switch from sodium chloride to potassium chloride, which is less corrosive. And ensure you are not using too much; a single handful is enough for a metre-square area.
Ask the Eco Geek: Sidewalk de-icing
Shovelling your sidewalk, chipping away ice and laying off any de-icer is the best approach, but in a province with as many freeze/thaw cycles as Ontario, sometimes safe passage requires a little extra. While rock salt (usually sodium chloride) is amazingly effective at melting ice, it’s also a highly corrosive toxin that ruins soil, contaminates groundwater and is harmful to pets. Kevin Mercer, executive director of RiverSides, a Toronto-based environmental group working to protect and improve urban watersheds, says before you look for formulas employing brewers sludge or volcanic rock, your most eco-friendly option may be to use fine sand or ashes in moderate amount. Both will help with traction and assist the sun in melting ice (and your cat can stick to its low-sodium diet). Many animal- and garden-friendly products are actually anti-icers that contain calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a compound that prevents ice from forming. These anti-icers are available in both liquid and granular form but require frequent use and the ability to predict the weather. If you still feel you have to use salt, you should switch from sodium chloride to potassium chloride, which is less corrosive. And ensure you are not using too much; a single handful is enough for a metre-square area.
Got a pressing environmental question? Ask Steve Bearton, journalist, environmental advocate and the Eco Geek!
1 Comment
posted Sep 25, 2007 - 7:13 pm by Fred Asta
So, are you saying that the volcanic rock is no good? is it not enviro friendly? I found that it worked better than sand.
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