As the snows and ice have descended, you've probably seen how some sidewalks are often completely covered with piles and drifts of rock-salt, the most common and oldest of the five common deicers.

However, there are a number of problems with use and over-use of deicers. As water melts with the salt, it forms a chemical brine that can corrode roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure (not to mention everybody's hardy winter footwear, and the bottoms of pants!), shortening their lifespan and creating need for costly replacement. What's worse, the runoff enters the ecosystem, affecting plants, our soil and our water systems, and studies have shown significant impacts.

Smart use of eco-friendly deicing strategies would be an improvement. Shoveling or snowblowing as soon as possible is key. Applying a thin layer of a deicer just before it snows will help shoveling go easier, but if you do it too soon, or just when it's getting cold, much of your deicer is likely to blow away. If ice develops, a thin layer of sand can help with traction; salt on top of ice should already be in liquid form to help with icing, and as it becomes too diluted with melted water, it <a href="http://www.snowmagazineonline.com/news/printer.asp?ID=379&Source=news">slowly stops working</a>.

NPR recently reported on a new biodegradable deicing blend utilizing beet roots, being used in Akron, Ohio and other municipalities. It's more expensive, but it's a liquid, favored by operators and agencies for ease of use, reduces corrosion, and reduces salt runoff into the environment. As the city looks to invest in a greener future through efforts like the Council's Greener, Greater Buildings plan and PlaNYC, exploring earth-friendly deicers and encouraging people to limit private use should be a part of its efforts.