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Green Tips: What to know about monarch butterflies

Green Tips: What to know about monarch butterflies

Did you know that March 14th is National Learn About Butterflies Day? Monarchs are one of the most commonly recognized butterflies in the U.S. and an important pollinator species. Did you know:

  • The North American monarch butterfly is a migratory insect and the only butterfly observed to make such a large migration, almost 3,000 miles! Each spring, monarchs begin their trip north from Mexico, making their way up through Texas and Oklahoma, continuing north into Canada.
  • Monarchs’ main source of food is the milkweed. It gives them all the nourishment they need and they can typically be seen hanging out on the plant. Want to see more monarchs in your backyard? Plant some milkweed!
  • Monarchs are especially sensitive to cool weather. In fact, according to the Defenders of Wildlife, they cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees. They sit in the sun or “shiver” their wings to warm up.
  • Because they are so sensitive to temperature, one of the biggest threats facing monarchs is climate change. Their population has declined drastically the past 20 years, diminishing by almost 95 percent. Part of the reason for this is that warmer Fall temperatures in the north delay monarchs from beginning their journey south. By the time it’s cool enough to trigger their migration, it quickly gets too harsh and many monarchs die along the journey.
  • Another related threat facing butterflies is habitat loss. As we mentioned, monarch butterflies and caterpillars rely on the milkweed for food and shelter. Due to our changing climate and a major increase in herbicide applications, especially in the Mid-West Corn Belt, monarchs have less food and shelter along their journey.
  • Despite these worries, there is much to look forward to. In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned to protect monarchs under the Endangered Species Act. This petition has yielded the creation of a conservation database and the publication of several peer-reviewed research articles on the monarch. An official decision on their status as endangered is due in June 2019. Learn more here.

To do your part, here are some ways you can help monarch butterflies this Spring:

  1. Plant a butterfly garden, including milkweed, red clover, alfalfa, thistle, wild carrot, lilacs and goldenrods.
  2. Avoid the use of pesticides.
  3. Create or support a Monarch Way-Station.

Would you like to see some monarchs in person? Here are some options in New York State courtesy of the Department of Environmental Conservation:

Tiny Tips for a Greener Home

It’s understandable to be overwhelmed by the environmental issues our world is facing. You may be asking, how can just one person help fix such a big problem? Research suggests that a global issue like climate change can lead people to incorrectly feel useless as they think about addressing it.

However, small changes can make a big impact, not just for the environment but for your wallet too. While big changes are necessary on a policy level, you can start making tiny changes today in your own home to reduce your carbon footprint. Check out our tiny tips for going green at home.

Food

You can make a difference when making choices about the food you consume. Consider reducing your meat consumption too, even just one day per week. The meat industry is energy intensive and contributes significantly to our greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more in our guide to Meatless Mondays.

Also try to avoid wasting food. Buy only as much as you are reasonably going to eat before it goes bad or freeze foods if you will not be able to eat them. Store produce for maximum freshness so that fruit and vegetables don’t go bad before you can eat them. You can also try arranging your fridge and pantry with food that is likely to spoil sooner in front of more long-lasting food. More tips available here.

Errands

Limit the number of car trips you take to run errands by planning ahead of time and combining all of your shopping into one car trip. You’ll save on gas too! A typical passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, so reducing just one trip to the store each week can have a sizeable impact on the environment. Better yet, take public transportation, bike, or walk to nearby stores.

Electricity

Cutting down on your electric bill means following some simple steps to conserve energy. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs while light emitting diode (LED) bulbs last even 25 times longer than incandescent. These types of energy efficient lighting use up to 80% less energy and can also save $75 per year for the average homeowner.  

Pair this easy switch with unplugging your appliances when not in use, and you will see a difference on your next bill. Next time you’re on the market for a new appliance, buy one with an energy star label to ensure its efficiency.

Heating/Cooling

Curtains can help you reduce your heat consumption. By leaving your curtains open during the day you let the sun warm the room, and closing them at night can help keep the drafts out. Another easy way to conserve energy and save money is to lower the temperature of your house while you’re at work or otherwise not home and at night while sleeping. You can save 10% a year on heating and cooling by keeping your thermostat 7°-10°F lower than its normal setting for eight hours a day while you’re out.

Water

According to the United Nations (UN), 3.6 billion people worldwide live in potential water-scarce areas, which threatens the availability of and access to clean and safe drinking water. You can help combat water scarcity by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and scrubbing dishes.

Did you know that the average family could save 2,900 gallons of water per year by installing WaterSense labeled showerheads? This simple switch to a more efficient showerhead will leave a notable and lasting effect on your family’s water usage. Some other quick fixes are to repair any leaky faucets and greening your laundry routine.

You can also turn to nature for water supply. Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for any houseplants, gardening, or landscaping needs.

Paper

Reduce the amount of paper you buy and use. The paper industry cuts down 80,000-160,000 trees a day, and the industry itself is responsible for 20% of air pollution in the U.S. Save money and trees by eliminating paper products and replacing them with reusable materials. Instead of buying paper napkins, try reusable cloth napkins. Create a paperless kitchen by using sponges and old t-shirts or socks as cloths for cleaning. Check out these reusable food storage bags to eliminate plastic sandwich bags and takeout containers. Another simple way to cut out paper is to opt out of by-mail bills and simply pay your bills online.

Household Items

Repurposing, or upcycling, household items is a fun and creative way to reduce waste and save money. With online shopping as easy as ever, it can be tempting to impulsively buy something that you don’t really need. Instead, check out some of our tips to upcycle household items like dish racks, ice cube trays, or desk drawers.

Make sure to donate clothes or shop at thrift stores! Compared to 15 years ago, the average person buys 60% more items of clothing and keeps them for about half as long. By shopping at thrift stores, you pay less money and give an old piece of clothing new life rather than buying a new piece. Read our guide to thrifting here.

Also, Don’t Forget to Recycle, and Do it Right!

Since 1992, local recycling programs have diverted more than 320 million tons of recyclables from landfills. Make sure you’re sorting your recyclables correctly and not trying to recycle items that are prohibited including broken glass or batteries. Read our Green Tips for recycling here.

Green Tips: Greening Your Cleaning Routine

Doing laundry is a chore,  but did you know that it is also a burden on our planet? The average American generates 500 pounds of laundry every year. Every second in the US, there are 100,000 loads of laundry spinning, and in the process 560 billion gallons of water are being used. That’s the same amount of water that flows over Niagara Falls every 11 days. Add in the chemicals that make up detergents and stain removers and the amount of power used to heat water and run dryers, residential laundry generates 8.29% of total residential carbon emissions.  

Make this dirty job a little less dirty by trying out some of our Green Laundry Tips.

Wash your clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy your washer uses is to heat water. However, you don’t really need hot water every wash to get your clothes clean. Using cold water instead can eliminate about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide and save you about $40 a year in utility costs. Start slow by only washing in hot once a month. Got really dirty or smelly clothes? Try mixing in a half-cup of white vinegar or borax to get smells out!

Fill that washer. Make sure you do a full load each time you run your washing machine.  Washing machines can use more than 40 gallons of water per load! Avoid wasting water and energy and wait to run the machine until you have a full load.

Upgrade your machine. If you need a new washer, consider an energy-efficient one. Front-loading washing machines that have been certified by Energy Star typically use between 18 and 25 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 gallons for older machines.

Use eco-friendly detergents and stain removers. Avoid laundry soap that contains chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrance, dyes, or brighteners. Consider a plant-based rather than petroleum-based detergent. The EPA offers this listing of safe laundry products. The non-profit Environmental Working Group has this Healthy Cleaning Guide that can help you find green detergents. You can also try making your own using this recipe list.

Forget the dryer sheets. Traditional dryer sheets often contain chemicals like limonene, acetaldehyde, and butane, as well as hidden fragrances. These toxic chemicals are emitted into the air through dryer vents and contribute to air pollution. They also can cause skin irritation.

Line-dry your clothing. Dryers emit more than a ton of carbon per year because of the energy it takes to run them. You can avoid these emissions by air-drying your clothes either indoors or in your backyard or balcony. In the winter, an indoor clothing rack can add much-needed humidity to the usually dry air. Skipping the dryer will also help your clothes last longer because high heat can dull colors or thin out fabrics.

Skip dry cleaning. Conventional dry cleaning is considered un-green because of the chemicals it uses. Research has linked perchloroethylene (also called “perc”), to health issues including cancer. Try to avoid dry cleaning by buying clothing that doesn’t require it. A lot of clothing that we dry clean can be hand washed quite safely, including fine fabrics like cashmere and lambswool. You can also look for eco-friendly dry cleaners that use liquid carbon dioxide instead of perc.

Green Tips: Communicating on Climate Change

A growing number of Americans believe that climate change is happening, and 59% of voters think that humans are the primary cause. As we start to see the impacts of a changing climate, the topic of climate change may be coming up more often in conversation than it has in the past. If you’re talking with someone who seems to be rethinking their skepticism about global warming, be an informed spokesperson for the environment by mentioning these quick facts about climate change and its impacts.

Climate Change Has Always Been With Us

It’s true that the earth’s climate has changed many times over the centuries, but until a few hundred years ago, these changes were due to small variations in the earth’s orbit. These orbital shifts affected the amount of solar energy that our earth received and caused climate fluctuations. Today’s warming is far more dramatic. Researchers say that it’s more than 95% probable that this unprecedented rate of change is due to human activity, and much of this warming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb infrared radiation (IR) from the sun and radiate that heat in all directions. Common greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and any fluorocarbons. Some of these gases are naturally produced, like water vapor, and a certain amount of greenhouse gases are necessary for our ecosystem to function. But, some of these gases are increasing rapidly because of human activity. Carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by 40% since the dawn of the industrial age in the 1750s. Fossil fuel use is the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions. Other greenhouse gases emitted through human activity are methane from farming, waste management, and energy use; nitrous oxide, mostly from agriculture; and fluorinated gases, from industry, refrigerants, and consumer products.

The Greenhouse Effect

These gases warm the earth through a natural process called the greenhouse effect. Check out a diagram here. Basically, when the sun’s heat hits the earth some is absorbed and some is reflected back to space. Greenhouse gases absorb heat and keep it all from leaving our atmosphere, which helps keep the earth at a temperature suitable for sustaining life. However, the more greenhouse gases that exist in our atmosphere, the more heat that is prevented from escaping into space and, consequently, the more the earth heats.

Increasing Emissions

Over the past hundred years, greenhouse gas emissions have been growing at an accelerated pace. Since 1970, carbon dioxide emissions have increased by about 90%, with emissions from fossil fuel use and industrial processes contributing about 78% of the total greenhouse gas emissions increase from 1970 to 2011. Agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use changes have been the second-largest contributors.

Climate Change’s Impact

The increase in earth’s temperature triggers additional changes in our climate. Heat waves, drought and extreme weather patterns are all signs of a warming planet. In turn, these events have consequences for our economy, infrastructure, and the health of our communities. Below are a few examples of impacts we are already seeing.

 

  • Extreme Weather

 

The earth’s warming is behind the increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy downpours, drought and flooding. Since the mid-1970s, the number of hurricanes that reach Categories 4 and 5 (the highest levels) in strength has roughly doubled.  

New York has felt the impact of such hurricanes–and not just in coastal areas. In 2011, Hurricane Irene tore through upstate New York, hitting counties including Albany, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. The storm caused $1.3 billion worth of damage and caused 1 million power outages. In New York City, the city’s subway system shut down.

A year later, in October 2012, SuperStorm Sandy brought unprecedented storm surges and flooding that devastated many communities throughout the five boroughs of NYC. Large parts of the city and surrounding areas were without power for days, fires consumed 100 homes in Queens, and water flooded subway and road tunnels and highways. Thousands of homes were destroyed.

 

  • The Economy

 

New York City suffered an estimated $19 billion in economic losses from Hurricane Sandy and restoration costs for the state were an estimated $32.8 billion.

Extreme weather events hit all of us in the pocketbook. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, grocery prices spike after extreme weather events.

Damage caused by storms and flooding is also hitting the insurance industry hard and that hurts consumers. Because of a spate of devastating losses due to severe storms, insurers have been drastically curtailing their underwriting of homeowner policies. Almost 3 million U.S. households lost coverage between 2003 and 2007, and only half were able to find new coverage. Other insurance companies have raised their premiums dramatically, effectively denying coverage to millions of homeowners.

 

  • Water and its Uses

 

Another – less major but still upsetting – way climate change is impacting our daily lives is by threatening the major ingredients in beer. Drought and heavy rains have hurt hops and barley production and some breweries are reporting shortages of clean drinking water. These changes can also affect the coffee industry. Most beans come from Arabica beans that thrive on cool mountain slopes. Due to climate change, coffee growers have to move higher up the mountain. Globally, we could lose 50% of the land suitable for growing coffee by 2050.

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. Use these tips to change one mind at a time, and take a look at some of our other sustainability tips to learn what else you can do to join the fight against climate change.

Green Tips: A Sustainable Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day approaching, you may be thinking of ideas for showing your sweetheart how much they mean to you. This year,  51% of Americans are expected to celebrate Valentine’s Day and spend a record-breaking $20.7 billion on everything from heart-shaped boxes of chocolates to jewelry, dinner dates, and other gifts.

What’s not to love is the environmental impact of Valentine’s Day gifts. Many products sold for Valentine’s Day are not manufactured sustainably and are usually single-use. Lots of gifts and cards will eventually end up in a landfill, and the manufacturing of Valentine’s Day products is responsible for more emissions than driving around the Earth 4,000 times!

Why not also show the planet some love this year? Check out our tips for a greener Valentine’s Day.

Restaurants

Support your local farmers and choose a restaurant that serves farm-to-table meals. Eating locally will help decrease the fossil fuels used to transport foods and keep them fresh. Look for organic and vegetarian options, which will help reduce pesticide use and greenhouse gas emissions. Don’t have access to an eco-friendly restaurant? Stay in and cook a homemade meal using locally grown and organic ingredients.

Cards

Valentine’s Day is one the top card-giving days of the year. Unfortunately, paper manufacturing is not a friend to the environment. Up to 160,000 trees are cut down each day and the paper industry is responsible for 20% of air pollution in the U.S. This year, hone your creative skills and create your own card made from recycled paper. Your partner will appreciate the extra effort of a personalized card. If you’re not crafty, try buying a card made from recycled paper or sending an e-card.

Flowers

While roses are a Valentine’s Day staple, just one bouquet requires 600 kWh of energy to grow in the U.S. and even more if they’re imported. For example, 30 cargo jets transport over 30 million roses from Colombia to Miami each day for the three weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. A more sustainable option is to visit your local farmer’s market and buy a bouquet of in-season flowers. A longer lasting option is a potted plant, which allows you to choose herbs to grow together and cook with in the future. Find a farmer’s market near you by clicking here.

Chocolates

Avoid conventional chocolates that may be produced unethically and come with wasteful packaging. Opt for fair trade and organic chocolate. Fair-trade certified chocolate reduces deforestation practices that are often associated with cocoa production and instead protects wildlife habitats and rainforests.

Gifts

In order to reduce waste, try giving a loved one the gift of experiences rather than things.  Some ideas include a painting or dance class, concert tickets, or a trip to the spa. Try making a gift using household materials such as this up-cycled wreath or homemade candle.

Looking to give jewelry? Give conflict free diamonds, vintage jewelry, or jewelry made from recycled materials. Don’t forget to cut down on paper and wrap your gifts with recycled or reusable materials. Read more about sustainable gift giving here.

If you decide to buy a gift online, shop using our Amazon Smile portal here. It’s no extra cost for the shopper and Amazon will donate a portion to NYLCVEF.

Date Night Activities

Select eco-friendly winter activities. Try skating, skiing, or hiking in the fresh air! Too cold? Visit your local plant nursery or museum to learn new things together.

Show your loved one you care by caring for the environment! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Green Tips: An Eco-Friendly Fitness Routine

It’s that time of year when you may be trying to get back into shape. Way to go! Did you know that your workout might be impacting the environment? Give these green tips a try for a more sustainable exercise routine.

Green your gear: Search for workout clothes that are made using organic cotton and ethical practices. Check out this list for some options.

Recycle your gear: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that more than 16 million tons of textiles find their way into our solid waste stream. Don’t just throw your old workout gear in the trash. If it’s lightly worn consider trading it with a friend or donating it. If you live in NYC, visit a textile drop-off location. There are also lots of companies that take back your old sneakers, like Nike’s reuse-a-shoe program.

Hydrate with a reusable water bottle: According to the Guardian, 20,000 plastic bottles are purchased every second worldwide. These single-use bottles either end up in our landfills or oceans, threatening marine life and eventually making their way back to us as we consume fish. We need to drastically reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles we consume. You can help by getting a reusable water bottle (look for BPA free!) and not only using it while you exercise but also wherever you go. Remind your peers to do the same.  

Walk or bike to the gym: Transportation is the number one contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. Avoid driving to the gym if possible. Walk, bike, or take public transit if available. If you have to drive, consider carpooling with friends or neighbors. If you walk or bike, you’ll also get the added bonus of burning more calories!

Run for a cause: If you’re an experienced runner or want to try something different, consider signing up for a race to benefit an environmental charity.

 

Stay safe and healthy in 2019!

Green Tips: New Years Resolutions

“New year, new you,” right? As we leave 2018 behind and look forward to 2019, it’s time to start thinking about our new year’s resolutions. Normally, a new year means trying to make some positive changes in your life. This year, why not incorporate some new green habits to help out the environment? Some simple changes to your lifestyle can have a huge impact. Consider these ideas for greening your new year:

  • Support renewable energy.
    • Own your own home? Consider installing solar panels, New York State offers tax breaks and other incentives to go solar. You can find out more here.
    • Consider installing a ground source heat pump for your home. This uses geothermal energy to heat and cool your home. New York State also offers financial incentives for this that you can find here.
    • Learn about the benefits of renewable energy and share them with your community. Here are some great resources from our friends at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
  • Cut back on driving.
    • Often, people make resolutions to exercise more. An easy way to get your exercise and reduce your carbon output is biking or walking. It may seem like a lot of work but the benefits are worth it. The New York Times has a great guide for biking to work here.
    • If walking or biking isn’t for you or you have a longer commute, use public transportation, like trains and buses. Depending on where you live, taking a train or bus can be easy and convenient.
  • Test drive an EV. If you must drive, consider an electric vehicle (EV). New York State has some great economic incentives for making the switch to an EV. If you are a member, you may be eligible for an exclusive discount to purchase an electric vehicle. Give one a try by taking a test drive.
  • Make the switch to reusable grocery bags. Shoppers worldwide use approximately 500 billion single-use plastic bags per year. A considerable amount of this plastic finds its way into our oceans posing a serious threat to marine life. Used consistently, one reusable bag can eliminate the need for more than 700 plastic bags over its lifetime.
  • Stop using unnecessary plastic. An easy way to reduce your footprint is to minimize the amount of unnecessary plastic you are consuming. In addition to bags, there are plastic straws and utensils that pollute our waterways. This year, simply refuse them when at restaurants or fast food locations and for take-out. Consider reusable utensils, or straws.
  • Reduce your meat and dairy intake. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the agricultural sector. A large portion of those emissions come from livestock management and meat production. It may seem difficult to cut down on meat but in addition to the environmental impacts, eating less meat has some significant health and economic benefits too, even just for a couple of days per week. Check out our guide to meatless Mondays for more information.
  • Grow your own food. If you have space, try growing your own food. It may seem like a lot of work but studies have shown that backyard gardening leads to healthier and happier lifestyles. When you buy your food from a grocery store, there are hidden environmental costs, such as transporting the food to the store and the packaging.
  • Try composting.
    • About one-third of what New Yorkers throw away can be composted. Food scraps and other organics do not break down in landfills the same way they do in compost piles. Not only does composting reduce waste, it also helps enrich soil used for growing trees and grass, improving our vital greenspaces. Anyone can compost, whether you live in a house or apartment. Check out our guide to composting here.
    • Don’t have a yard? Some cities and towns, including New York City, have municipal organic waste collection programs, which makes it easier for you to collect and drop off your food scraps for compost or to be turned into renewable energy. For more information on how to sign up click here.
  • Join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture is similar to a co-op where members buy shares to support a group of farmers who do most of the work. Buying shares allows members to access fresh local produce and support the local economy. If you are interested in joining a CSA, you can find one near you here.

Creating More Sustainable Christmas Traditions

From NYLCVEF Director of Programs, Angela Hotaling

Eight years ago, I wrote an article for a green blog about some of the unsustainable activities that often accompany Christmas traditions. While it was 8 years ago, many of these same realities exist. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the amount of trash produced in the US increases by around 25%, which amounts to about one million extra tons of garbage each week. From wrapping paper to used Christmas trees to excessive holiday party feasts, Americans are producing tons (literally) of waste. Most of this trash ends up in our landfills, where it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

What can we do to cut down on the trash and create more sustainable (but still meaningful) traditions? Check out our Christmas (red) and Green Tips below. Happy holidays!

  • Figure out the tree situation: Real or fake, that is the question. There are lots of arguments on both sides but here are some things to consider: fake trees save a living tree from getting the ax, but they’re often made from plastic and eventually end up in the landfill. If you have a plastic tree already, keep it around for as long as you can. When purchasing real tree try finding suppliers that practice sustainable harvesting (not clear-cutting entire forests or farms). Supporting local tree farms is a good option. For creative ideas on how to avoid the fake or real decision altogether, check out these unique ideas, like the driftwood tree or bookcase tree. 
  • Cut down on the wrapping: The life cycle of wrapping paper is distressing from a waste perspective. Get creative about your packages this year. Save up or look around for previously-used materials, like maps, magazines, or newspapers. Try packaging your gifts in reusable bags or wrapping them in scarves that can be made part of the gift. Bottom line: reusable is best!
  • Try meatless: As you plan your holiday meals and parties, consider serving less meat. We’ve previously written about the environmental and climate impacts of the meat industry. Switching to a full vegetarian or vegan diet can be a big transition (and a complete no-go for some of your guests) but make a compromise by offering vegetarian options and cutting down on the amount of meat that’s consumed. 
  • Gift your loved ones experiences rather than material items: We’ve mentioned this before too. With the buzz of Christmas shopping deals, it’s easy to get persuaded to keep buying, whether it’s more presents or taking advantage of sales for yourself. Try to make a gift list before you go shopping so you don’t over-buy. Also consider non-material gifts like trips or memberships to museums, tickets to concerts or shows, or even just doing something nice for someone you love. A lot of times, these gifts create memories that last much longer than a new toaster or microwave. 
  • Remember to turn off the decorations: There’s a lot going on during the holidays so it’s easy to get distracted and leave the lights on or the music playing for hours and hours. Try to remember to unplug or turn these items off when you’re not using them to cut down on electricity usage and save some extra money.

We can create special memories with our family and friends this holiday season while also taking steps to reduce our environmental impact. From trying new things to buying less, everything you do can make a difference and set a positive example for younger generations. Happy holidays!

Green Tips: Road Salting for the Environmentalist

Welcome to winter! Winter weather has already visited most regions of the state. That means that road safety is an absolute necessity, especially as family and friends travel to spend time together for the holidays.

Winter road maintenance is typically the responsibility of local governments. They clear snow off major roadways and use road salt to prevent ice from forming. This method lowers the melting point of ice and can stop it from freezing and creating dangerous situations on highways and roads. It has a made a huge impact over the years, reducing road accidents by up to 93% according to a Waterloo study. While road salt is highly useful, it also comes with an environmental price. Consider this:

Whether you use salt for your business, your driveway, or your town, here are some tips for keeping roads safe while minimizing the impact on the environment.

  1. Avoid applying salt next to vegetation. It can penetrate soil and harm plant growth.
  2. Clear as much snow as possible before application. By removing that fluffy top layer, you reveal the hard packed slush that can turn to ice, which is where the salt will be most effective.
  3. Apply in small amounts! You really do not need much to make an impact. Apply to ice only. The amount needed to melt ice varies depending on the temperature outside. The colder it is, the more you need.
  4. Add salt to water for improved effects. The suggested ratio of salt to water is one teaspoon per five gallons. This is not much at all, really showing how little you actually need to use on the road.
  5. Consider alternative de-icers. While the effectiveness and safety of these other options—like pickle juice!—are not completely established, it’s worth keeping on your radar.

 

Safety is key this winter. We hope everyone stays safe on the roads.

 

Want to see how road salt is effecting your water? Check out the Winter Salt Watch program by the Izaak Walton League and test your water for chloride today.

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