Snow & Ice
Winter in Wisconsin can be challenging. And many of us have to grapple with snow and ice during the winter, whether it be clearing driveways, walkways, and/or sidewalks. It may also result in us spreading salt to help melt forming ice. How we accomplish both of these steps can impact the environment. We encourage you to consider your own practices and whether you can make them a little greener.
Clearing Snow
Remove snow soon after it falls. This will help prevent ice buildup. If the snow is dry and powdery, simply shoveling may be the only thing you need to do. And if you use mechanical devices to help you clear snow (such as snow blowers or leaf blowers), consider switching to electric models to be friendlier to the environment and reduce the amount of green house gasses being released into the air.
Salt
When we over salt our driveways and walkways, that salt ends up in our waterways, putting aquatic life and freshwater resources at risk. It also damages our infrastructure. If you use salt, use the smallest effective amount and only apply it where necessary. For example, you only need the amount that fills a 12-ounce coffee cup for a 20-foot driveway. Also consider using magnesium chloride or calcium chloride, which are slightly less harmful to plants (and work at lower temperatures) than rock salt (sodium chloride). And if you can, switch to sand, which provides better traction and works at any temperature.