Winter’s snow and ice can make walkways and driveways hazardous, but careful preparation can keep your property safe without harming the environment. Shoveling is your first defense—clear paved areas promptly to reduce ice formation. When ice forms, deicers can help, but they also come with potential risks to local waterways, landscaping, pets and wildlife. Follow these tips for safer, more eco-friendly winter practices:

Buying Tips

• Choose wisely: Traditional rock salt and some chemical deicers can harm pets' paws, damage vehicles, age concrete and asphalt prematurely and pollute streams.
• Look for alternatives: Select deicers labeled as safer for pets, your property and the environment—they can be just as effective.

Application Tips

• Shovel first: Remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying deicer. Deicer works best when it is applied to thin layers of ice.
• Use sparingly: Follow the directions on the label—applying extra won’t speed up melting and can increase environmental harm when runoff carries excess deicer to streams.
• Protect your landscaping: Avoid using salt or deicers near trees, shrubs and grass. Salty runoff can severely damage or kill plants.