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Animal- and Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Road Salt

During cold weather, icy roads make for dangerous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. Typically, a salt solution is used to melt and dissipate ice from roads in order to make them safer to travel on. However, according to the National Resources Defense Council, using salt to melt ice not only corrodes cars and damages pavements, but also causes detrimental effects to animals, plants and wildlife. Fortunately, there are several environmentally friendly alternatives to salt that help to keep humans – as well as animals and plants – safe.

  1. Magnesium Chloride

    • Magnesium chloride is considered much safer than other ice-melting compounds, and is environmentally friendly. Magnesium chloride contains no cyanide, making it safe to use around plants and animals. Since magnesium chloride is a hygroscopic compound, it absorbs moisture, and efficiently melts ice and snow.

    Calcium Chloride

    • Also a hygroscopic compound, calcium chloride is an environmentally friendly alternative to salt, and has the capacity to quickly melt ice and snow in freezing temperatures. Calcium chloride works by creating warm temperatures when applied, and the heat generated from the compound helps to quickly and efficiently melt ice.

    Potassium Acetate

    • Potassium acetate is a biodegradable liquid that is noncorrosive and safe around animals, plants and water sources. Potassium acetate works by breaking through the surface of ice and snow, then absorbing and melting at faster rates than salt.

    Alfalfa Meal

    • Alfalfa meal is a natural and organic agent that is normally used as a fertilizer. However, because of its high content of nitrogen, alfalfa meal naturally melts ice and snow while also providing traction. It also contains Triacontanol, a natural hormone that works as a stimulant to sufficiently melt ice and snow, while remaining safe for plants and animals.

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