Road Salt Alternatives

Let it snow! Let it snow!  Overnight we had a light dusting of snow.  Not even enough to cover the pavement.  But the traffic reports were laden with accidents and spin outs due to the snow.  Did everyone forget how to drive in snow, even a little bit of it?  And now, streets are coated with road salt.  

Most drivers in the colder states know the effects salt can have on your automobile.  But did you know it is also toxic for plants, marine life, and animals.  In fact, pets that digest salt deicers suffer health problems.  The Romans and other ancient civilizations would make an enemy’s fields uninhabitable for plant life by salting it.  And here we coat our streets, driveways, and sidewalks with it.  

If you want to protect your little space in the world and also avoid falling on your back, purchase or make an alternative deicer or substance that provides traction.  For example, sugar lowers the freezing point of water and sand provides traction.  

Have you used any ecologically friendly deicers?  

Authentic Foods

This morning I heard a news report on NPR about authentic foods.  It sounds as if authentic foods are organic and artisan foods.  Personally I think it is great that there is a movement away from processed foods.  The next time you are in the market, try purchasing an authentic food.  While they may be more costly than a similar processed food, authentic foods will most likely have a smaller impact on the environment, be better for you, and have a natural taste.

What authentic foods do you recommend?