Slip and falls can be the root cause of several extremely painful injuries, ranging from serious fractures to worrisome cuts and lacerations. In severe winters, these problems can become common if vendors and communities don’t do their part to clear ice from sidewalks and driveways. While consumers and other pedestrians may be trying to enjoy their day or get to and from work, they expect to find that important sidewalks have been cleared and are ready for foot traffic. There are some simple solutions to reduce ice and snow on sidewalks.

The most used solution to clear a sidewalk and streets, in fact, is salt. Larger grains of salt are capable of lowering the temperature at which snow and ice will melt, making it possible for water to become liquid and run off. While this solution is certainly widespread and effective in most winter temperatures, it does have its drawbacks.

From an ecological point of view, salt in large quantities can alter the concentration of nearby streams and rivers, making them too salty for smaller organisms or plants to live. As these organisms die, the food chain becomes strained and sometimes breaks. Additionally, it causes cosmetic damage, such as ruining the appearance of shoes and pants, and sometimes painfully lodges in dogs’ paws.

Beyond salt, there are some alternative solutions. One remedy, though rare and expensive, may be to heat the sidewalk under the concrete. Using this technique, snow melts from below, making the most dangerous ice melt first. However, this is rarely used as energy and construction prices make it a relatively prohibitive solution compared to the low cost of salt. Other solutions for the home may include sprinkling coffee grounds around icy and snowy areas. Sand and gravel, although sometimes dirty, are other ecological solutions.