Low Sodium: Protecting Water, Plants, and Wildlife
Winter in Maine can be beautiful, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges—especially when it comes to keeping driveways, sidewalks, and roads clear of ice and snow. While salting these surfaces is common, it's important to consider the environmental impact of overusing salt. Using less salt, we can protect our water sources, plants, and local wildlife while staying safe during the colder months.
Salt, typically in the form of sodium chloride, is widely used to melt ice and improve traction on slippery surfaces. However, when used excessively, it doesn’t just stay on the driveway or sidewalk—it ends up washing away into nearby waterways, soils, and ecosystems. Here’s how overuse of salt can cause harm:
Water Sources: Salt runoff contaminates rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which are vital sources of drinking water for both people and wildlife. Elevated salt levels can make water unsafe to drink and harm aquatic life, such as fish and amphibians, that depend on these ecosystems.
Plants: Salt can damage plants by dehydrating their roots and inhibiting their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This is especially problematic for trees, shrubs, and grasses near roads and driveways, as salt spray and runoff can lead to stunted growth or death.
Wildlife: Excessive salt impacts wildlife in multiple ways. Birds and small mammals may ingest road salt, mistaking it for food, which can be toxic to them. Additionally, salt-laden water can disrupt natural habitats and harm species that depend on clean, balanced ecosystems.
Infrastructure: Overusing salt can damage vehicles, driveways, and sidewalks, leading to costly repairs.
Now, the good news! There are simple steps you can take to reduce the amount of salt you use while still keeping surfaces safe:
Shovel First: Always shovel and clear away snow before applying salt. The less ice and snow there is, the less salt you'll need.
Use the Right Amount: A little salt goes a long way. Use only enough to break up ice and prevent slipping. For reference, one coffee mug of salt is enough to cover about 250 square feet (a standard driveway).
Choose Alternatives: Consider eco-friendly deicers like calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which are less harmful to the environment. Sand or gravel can also provide traction without contributing to salt pollution.
Sweep It Up: Once the ice has melted, sweep up any excess salt or sand to prevent it from washing into nearby waterways.
Target Problem Areas: Apply salt only where it’s absolutely needed, like high-traffic areas or places prone to ice buildup. Avoid spreading salt near plants, gardens, or water drainage areas.
As Mainers, we take pride in our beautiful landscapes, clean water, and abundant wildlife. By making small adjustments to how we manage winter ice and snow, we can help protect the environment we cherish. Every handful of salt saved makes a difference—not just for our driveways and sidewalks but for our forests, rivers, and the creatures that call them home.
By using the right amount of salt, we can keep our driveways clear without sacrificing the health of Maine’s natural resources. Spread the word, and let’s make smarter salting choices to protect our environment for future generations.
