Road salt alternatives: These materials increase safety

Black ice & snow
Road salt alternatives: These materials are permitted for private use

Freezing rain has paralyzed traffic in parts of Germany. On streets and sidewalks, in the driveway or directly in front of the front door, it is currently essential to reduce the risk of slipping due to black ice with grit. But please don’t use salt, which is banned in many places, but rather environmentally friendly alternatives.

Did you know that the use of road salt is not permitted in many municipalities? According to the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association, private use on sidewalks is prohibited in many cities (including Munich, Berlin, Hamburg). Apart from the fact that the effects on flora and fauna are serious. “It’s not just plants that suffer from the salt. Many animals have their paws ignited by the road salt. The salt can also contribute to the salinization of groundwater,” points out Nabu (German Nature Conservation Association). The question arises as to which materials are better suited for scattering? We’ll tell you.

Why salt is not a suitable grit

It used to be normal to sprinkle icy paths with salt (sodium chloride). The fact is that the crystals not only thaw the ice, but they prevent it from freezing over again. However, it is now known that the effects of Road salt can be fatal to the environment. “The salt gets into the plants through the soil and changes the nutrient balance there. The consequences often only become apparent in spring and summer, when salt-damaged street trees gradually dry out despite sufficient rainfall,” explains the Nature Conservation Association of Germany. V. and adds: “In addition to the ecological consequences, road salt also causes economic damage such as corrosion on bridges and motor vehicles.” It is better to use road salt alternatives.

Environmentally friendly road salt alternatives

1. Stray sand

In contrast to road salt, quartz sand cannot thaw icy sidewalks, but the dull surface of the fine granules ensures better grip on your feet – meaning the risk of slipping is significantly reduced. Anyone in the hardware store doesn’t have one grit If you get more because it is out of stock in many places, you can order it online (for example via Amazon).

Important: You must sweep up the sand on private paths once it has served its purpose and there is no longer any risk of black ice.

2. Limestone

Limestone is also suitable as grit. The fine granules do not contain any salt, have the “Blue Angel” certificate and are therefore environmentally friendly. In addition, no dog or cat paws are affected. Important: Before you do this Limestone granules On icy sidewalks, streets and driveways, the snow should be spread with a shovel be roughly removed.

3. Lava granules

It also has an anti-slip effect Lava granules, also called diabase. The dulling grit is not only salt-free and frost-resistant, but also absorbs melt water. The material can be distributed particularly well with a Spreader truck. Incidentally, it has similar properties expanded claywhich has also proven itself as an environmentally friendly alternative to road salt.

4. Grit

Although gravel and grit can be used to minimize the risk of slipping on icy paths, the grit has negative properties: it can contain toxic substances, such as arsenic, lead or mercury. You should definitely check in advance whether it is an environmentally friendly alternative to road salt. By the way, you can reuse the grit.

Note: When purchasing a gritting alternative, pay attention to the “Blue Angel“. This is a seal that identifies salt-free products that meet all limit values ​​for heavy metals and have been tested and approved by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

That’s why you shouldn’t use wood chips

Chips are also often touted as a good alternative to grit. However, the natural material has its pitfalls: it absorbs moisture and becomes slippery. Apart from that, the water stored in the wood can freeze again – making icy paths even more slippery than before. The use of chips is therefore rather counter-productive, although not forbidden.

Sources: BUND Nature Conservation in Bavaria eV, NABU

You might also be interested in:

This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.