Thursday, February 19, 2015

Tips for environmentally clearing snow

In honor of the recent snowfall in my area that sent many people shoveling, here are some do's and don'ts of snow removal.

-Do shovel more and use sand less.
Although it is great for traction, sand can lower air quality and clog sewers if used in excess.

-Don't use sand to melt ice; use environmentally safe ice melts instead.
Salt can increase the salinity in bodies of water if run down into them. It can also prevent plants from absorbing moisture and nutrients.

-Do stay away from using kitty litter for traction.
It doesn't melt ice, can affect vegetation, and is messy. Not a great solution.

The number one thing to remember is: stay safe. Watch out for black ice, frostbite, and other hazards that occur in this snowy weather.
-Liam