With winter upon us and snow falling already, it’s time to break out the shovels, snow blowers and sidewalk salts. Now obviously shoveling is a bit more work than using a snow blower but, it is also less harmful to the environment. Most snow blowers run on gas and, therefore, pollute the air. If you decide to shovel, you will not only be helping out the environment but yourself as well because shoveling snow is a good exercise (and with all the holiday meals, a little extra workout couldn’t hurt).

Switching from snow blowers to shovels isn’t the only to consider this winter. Switching from the traditional rock salt or chloride based ice melters to clear up  your walkway/driveway, to a greener alternative can also help. Rock salt can be corrosive and harmful to vegetation and even your pets by being eaten or stuck between their paws. The calcium chloride products which have become more popular over the past few years, actually heats up and can burn skin and also is harmful to vegetation.

So when you’re looking for deicers this year, try to look for a product that is biodegradable and non-corrosive. You should look for products that use urea or calcium magnesium acetate. Both are safe for the environment and your kids and pets.