Eco-Ice

It snowed today north of Boston.  Then it rained, turning everything slushy, then icy, as it got colder late in the afternoon.  As I shoveled and then tossed some sort of ice melting salt "product" (read: chemical-filled) all over the sidewalk, I started to wonder if there wasn't a more eco-friendly (and pet-friendly) product I could be using. Here are a few that are on the market.  I'd love to hear about others you've tried:  IceClear, according to its website,  is a "100% organic product made up of potassium carboxaylates, carbo-hydrates and a corrosive inhibitor."  The site says that this product  is "one of the safest, most cost-effective and environmentally friendly deicing/anti-icing agents on the market."  It "prevents ice formation and accumulation in the first place and stops ice from bonding to walkway and driveway surfaces."  Apparently this stuff "biodegrades readily, and contains no toxic materials or corrosive salts. It contains no VOCs, HAPs, heavy metals, or SARA Title III reportable materials, and is low in phosphorus and nitrogen." Further (again lifted right from the site) "it will not harm metals, concrete or paving and it will not damage lawns, shrubs, or vegetation."

Icenator is a liquid de-icer that, according to its website, when compared to salt, "has advantages of working in lower temperatures, being more environmentally friendly, is less caustic, is safer for landscaping, is safer for people, animals and equipment, is less messy and easier to apply."

Sand and Kitty Litter  These old stand-bys,  while messy and not de-icers, are cheap, eco-friendly, and will give you the traction you're looking for so you don't wipe out.   I'd love to hear about more eco-friendly de-icers.  And hurry, before it snows-slushes-ices again. Slip, slidin' away for now.