4 tips for eco-friendly your icy sidewalk cleaning

(MPR) - The salt that is so ready to throw on the streets and sidewalks after winter storms is a growing threat to the lakes and rivers of Minnesota.

Chloride - mineral salt that is toxic to fish, birds and aquatic life - now considered a disability in 50 lakes across the country. Scientists estimate that to increase the number.

• "The dead fish or dead? to reduce the challenges for road salt intake

Although the use of salt is the biggest culprit in a large scale, there are some things people can do to reduce their impact:

1) Take the blade. If you use salt, first clean can with a shovel or scraper most snow and ice. Manual removal is efficient and cost effective.

2) Do not shoot. A little salt goes a long way. Proliferation. To Minnesota Clean Water "a cup of coffee from 12 ounces salt is sufficient to cover 20 feet 10 square sidewalk or entrance."

3) Check the temperature. If it is less than 15 degrees, it is too cold for the salt to effectively melt the ice. Consider instead of sand is used. It will not melt the ice, but will increase traction. In addition, the sand on the paws of the animal is easy.

4) sweep excess salt. With time running off into water or soil. Minnesota Clean water for all sitting on the sidewalk salt recommends can sweep again after the next storm.

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