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ice storm
When snow and sleet turn your driveway and walk into an ice skating rink, what eco-options do you have to keep the path from becoming a luge-like slick?

The University of Minnesota Extension Office suggests avoiding chemical de- icers as much as possible. "Over application of chemical de-icers (which are usually salts) can shorten the life span of concrete surfaces, corrode metal railings, pollute streams and lakes through run- off water, damage soils and stunt or kill plants adjacent to de-iced areas," the agency notes.

Sand is not a terrific alternative, since it can blow off or be washed off roadway surfaces, clogging drainage systems or silting up rivers and streams. Kitty litter may provide traction on an icy path, but it can also pollute as it melts, depending on its ingredients.

Both the Center for Environmental Excellence American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Environmental Literacy Council recommend taking the following steps:

· Shovel or sweep snow immediately to avoid the need to use de-icer.
· When possible, apply de-icer before it snows to prevent the snow from sticking to your walkway.
· Don't exceed recommended application amounts; use the minimum amount to get the job done.
· Shovel slush to prevent re-freezing.

Some de-icers to consider:
* Hot Mat: The electric Hot Mat melts snow on contact. Plug it in before the snow falls to maximize efficiency. Plug it into a solar battery pack to avoid contributing to climate change.
* Bare Ground: Made from corn and other agricultural agents that are added to a base of magnesium chloride (MgCl2), this de-icer is less potent than regular road salt. The company claims that a single application can last up to 2 weeks - 8 times the coverage of other de-icing salts.
* IceClear - Made of potassium acetate derived from corn, IceClear is best used to prevent icy build-up. Sprinkle 1 gallon per 1000 square feet of the de-icer on walkways prior to a storm. The liquid will remain unfrozen to -50 degrees F, and will keep light snow from building up.

What About Windshields?

To avoid having to chip ice off your windshield, combine equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray your windshield the night before to have clear windows the next morning.
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recycling symbol
Wondering what to do with your used Christmas tree? You don't have to toss it in the trash:

· Contact your local public works department or community recycling office at city hall. They may pick up and recycle the trees, or include tree mulching in a community composting program.
· Enter your zip code on the National Christmas Tree Association website to locate the tree recycling program nearest your home.
· Put the tree to good use in your own yard: trim branches for mulch around landscape bushes, set up the tree where it can become bird habitat, chop the tree trunk into kindling and logs for your fireplace or woodstove, and use the needles to make potpourri.

As always, you can find more environmentally-friendly ideas at www.biggreenp urse.com

By the way, if you want to pass this information along to a friend, just click on the Forward button right below my signature.

Talk to you again soon,

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Diane MacEachern
Big Green Purse

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