Val Puddington, Coldwell BankerHappy Homebuyers

What’s in Your Salt?

January 22nd, 2009 | Business | permalink

When freezing temperatures blanket the area in a layer of ice, many of us have to scramble to the nearest hardware store or grocery for salt to de-ice our driveways and sidewalks.  We may not even look closely at the label, or know exactly what it is we’re buying.

But how we chose to deal with nuisance ice can have an effect on our lawns, our neighborhood, and our ecosystem.  In your local store, your choice will boil down to either a salt (chloride) based compound or an acid compound (acetate).

Salt or chloride based products have been what we rely on for generations.  Sodium chloride, a.k.a. rock salt, is the best known de-icer.  Potassium Chloride, better known as part of fertilizer compounds, has been getting more use in recent years, as have de-icers using magnesium chloride as their active ingredient.

All salt-based de-icers pose environmental problem.  Sodium chloride can have damaging effects on plants and other features of your home landscape. Potassium chloride products may actually help your garden, but over time the cumulative runoff of such chemicals impacts the water supply downstream; this is after all fertilizer!  Even magnesium chloride, advertised as the most environmentally-friendly of the salt compounds, is considered to have a negative impact on groundwater.

One way to thaw that dangerous ice in a responsible way is to use a de-icer containing Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA).  This family of compounds has proved effective in places like airports and highways, including installations in environmentally-sensitive areas.  CMA is a water-soluble chemical similar to vinegar that can thaw ice and quickly breaks down harmlessly. 

Every variety of de-icer is sold under a number of brand names, and many claim to be “environmentally safe”.  The very best way to evaluate that claim is to look at the ingredients.  Only products with CMA or another acetate based compound are the organic choice.

Of course, when the ice storm is coming, you may be in a hurry.  How to tell the difference at a glance?  Look at the price.  CMA de-icers command a higher price than salt-based compounds.  As with many green innovations, we have to pay a little more up front.  But the benefits of clean water and healthy lawns are long-term benefits that protect your home’s value.

As a certified Energy Saving Realtor, I’m happy to help you purchase an Energy Efficient home.  If you are going to be selling your property, I can suggest ways to improve your home’s energy footprint and make it more attractive to buyers.  Call me today to learn more about energy efficient homes in your area.