Category Archives: Environment

When I arrived home last night, light snow was falling on New York City. The street was quiet. My footprints (and luggage tracks) were the first to disturb the sidewalk snow. It was a welcome scene.

This morning’s cityscape was very different.

Building superintendents and doormen had arisen early to litter the sidewalks with salt, which burns the paws of  dogs and can make them sick if they lick it. Plus, the chemicals in the melting ice can contaminate the soil and ground water.

And yet building owners continue to spread it quite liberally, every snowy morning.

I’m not saying leave sidewalks untreated — simply use a safer melting alternative.

Our good friends at Morton Salt make an ice melt that is salt free, chloride free, and organic.  It doesn’t irritate dog paws or tummies and melts below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does it cost a bit more?  Like most green-friendly products, it is a bit more expensive.  But stacked against the high price our pets and the environment pay, I’d say it’s well worth it.

I’m going to talk to my building super today.

“You say traction; I say corrosive chemicals.  Let’s call the whole thing off!”