In January 2024, France is facing a significant cold wave. After end-of-year celebrations with relatively mild temperatures, the start of the year is getting much rougher notably because of Irene’s depression. Since January 16, snowfall, freezing rain and severe frost have been expected in many departments in France. The situation is such that Météo-France has placed 31 territories on orange snow-ice alert.
Freezing rain particularly alerts the meteorological institute, which invites everyone to be extra vigilant when traveling. Certain actions can then make driving safer, just as certain reflexes can help prevent falls. Many municipalities have deployed snow plows and salt spreaders in order to limit the risks in their territories. If you also want to free and protect the exterior of your home, you can buy snow salt, just be aware that it is as harmful for plants as dangerous for animals. In order not to ruin your winter flowers and vegetables, it is better to opt for a natural alternative, and that is good because there are several.
These natural and ecological alternatives to replace road salt
Not really beneficial for biodiversity, road salt can be easily replaced by products that are both ecological and effective, but also that we already have in our house ! Depending on the alternative you choose, you won’t even have to pay a cent. To remove snow from your garden paths, you can use sand which allows the ice to melt quickly. Especially since with its small grains, the sand becomes embedded in the snow and ice, which reduces the risk of slipping. Sawdust and wood shavings are also very effective in overcoming snow and ice, because they help warm the floors. In addition, they provide stability and thus prevent slipping.
More surprising but easily found during this winter period, ash is ideal. And for good reason, it also carries heat and therefore accelerates the melting of snow and ice. So don’t throw away the ashes from your fireplace, they can be recycled both at home and in the garden. Head to the kitchen this time to get coffee grounds. In addition to its cleaning and degreasing properties which make it a household essential, coffee grounds melt ice. Its grainy texture is also an asset to prevent falls. Finally, beet juice too has already proven itself, particularly in Canada. Several cities have already mixed beet juice with salt in order to secure their streets in an eco-friendly way, such as Montreal and Winnipeg.