Road and rock salts of all shades littered the roads of Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas as temperatures plummeted in late January. While salt ultimately prevents ice from forming by lowering its freezing point, the most frequently used options are made up of chemical compounds that are devastating for the environment.

When they contain high magnesium or chloride content, these salts don’t just disappear after the snow melts, but seep into soil and waterways, contaminating the water we drink and posing a threat to local wildlife. Furthermore, these highly potent chemicals also damage infrastructure, leading to billions of dollars in damage. Safer de-icing alternatives that are made with organic and more tolerable compounds can keep roads safe without sacrificing the environment’s health.