It’s early in winter and yet we’ve had a plethora of ice, rain, and everything in between, which prompted this question from a concerned faculty member.

Q.  What’s with all the “salt” we are putting on the walkways and parking lots?   Can’t be good for the lake.

A. I know, and it’s something that is an interesting balance between keeping things safe for folks walking as well as what we’re sending down the hill. The product we use is called Natural Alternatives Ice Melt, which claims to use less amounts of calcium chloride (salt) than other products, and meets LEED guidelines, laid out by the US Green Building Council (although they do not certify products).  I found an article in Grist about snow-melt alternatives, which basically says there is no perfect product, as many still contain potentially damaging ingredients – which the product we use has, including: Calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride (however, they do not list the percentages used).  Best case scenario – use less. Or, maybe we’ll be able to really maximize our geothermal and have heated sidewalks, like they do in Iceland and parts of Oregon!

Happy new year,
Christina