Go Sparingly on Chemical De-Icing Products

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Wintertime brings with it the opportunity for so many fun activities -- from sledding to snowball fights. But one activity few people look forward to is clearing snow and ice from streets and sidewalks.

After the first snowfall, shoveling may become a neighborhood activity that one enjoys with some good natured camaraderie. Storm after storm, however, can leave some people feeling weary of snow removal and anxious to find the quickest means to melting snow. But don't be so quick to turn to chemical de-icers. While very effective at doing their job, there may be some unintended side effects to these products that aren't so pleasant for the environment.

When the snow melts from chemical salts and sands, the runoff can flow into streams, rivers and possibly even local water supplies. Depending on which products are used, the results can range from reduced oxygen levels for marine life to killed vegetation or burnt lawns and shrubbery. Chemical de-icers can also be tracked indoors, where they have the potential to damage carpeting and bring potentially hazardous residue inside the home. For households with pets or young children who crawl and play on the floor, chemicals nearby can be dangerous.

Here's how to handle snow removal and use as minimal an amount of chemical products as possible.

* Shovel often and well. De-icing products only work on a thin layer of snow and ice, so it's wasteful and fruitless to toss salt down onto thick piles of snow.

* Limit access to your home. If you have more than one entry into the home, limit use to only one door during the winter. This reduces the number of entryways that will need to be cleared and the amount of product used to keep them from getting slippery.

* Sand isn't the best alternative to salt. Sand doesn't melt ice or snow, it just provides a little added traction. Sand runoff can cause sediment buildup in waterways. In lieu of sand, invest in special grippers that can be applied to the bottom of your shoes for added traction while walking. Also, some companies sell runners that can be placed on outdoor staircases and walkways for improved traction.

* Consider investing in heated driveways and walkways, particularly if you live in areas hard-hit by snow. These devices are installed within the concrete and heat up the surface to melt the snow.