Be Water Wise This winter

Eco-Friendly Winter Maintenance: Protecting Our Waterways and Environment
By: Rose Adler-Rephan

Eco-Friendly Winter Maintenance: Protecting Our Waterways and Environment

Winter is just around the corner, and how we handle snow and ice can have a big impact on our environment. Here are some tips to help keep your sidewalks, driveways, and our water systems safe this winter:

• Pre-treat with Sand or Gravel: Before snow and ice arrive, lightly spread sand or gravel on your driveway and sidewalks for better traction. After the snow melts, collect any excess material to reuse or dispose of properly. This prevents it from being washed into drains and streams.
• Avoid Harmful Deicers: Skip salt and urea-based products, which can damage soil, plants, and waterways.
• Proactive Shoveling: Shovel promptly after snowfalls to reduce the buildup of ice and slippery spots. This can minimize the need for chemical deicers. Wearing cleats or traction devices on your shoes can also help you stay safe without the need for extra ice removal products.
• Advocate for Eco-Friendly Practices: If you live in an apartment building or work in an office, encourage maintenance teams to adopt these eco-friendly snow and ice management practices.
• Indoor Shoes for Cleaner Spaces: Bring a pair of indoor shoes to work or school to reduce how often floors need to be cleaned. This not only keeps your space cleaner but reduces the chemicals used for maintenance. Encourage your peers and coworkers to do the same!
• Pick Up After Your Dog: Year-round, cleaning up after your pet is a simple yet impactful way to protect our environment.
• Use Permeable Pavers: Consider permeable paving options such as bricks, gravel, cobblestones, or natural stone. These surfaces allow snowmelt to drain through the pavement rather than pooling and freezing into ice. This reduces the need for ice removal products and prevents pollutants from running off into our rivers, lakes, and streams.
• Make Your Home Energy Efficient: Making sure your home is energy efficient is a great way to save money  and resources. Insulate your windows and doors to make sure get to use the heat your paying for. You can also naturally heat your home  using the sun by leaving your curtains open during the day.
  

By adopting these sustainable practices, you’ll not only make winter easier to manage but also play a crucial role in protecting our environment and water quality year-round!

Want to learn more?

• Be Water Wise as You Winterize
• Scoop the poop! Reasons why you should clean up after your dog
• How Can YOU Prevent Stormwater Pollution?