Pass On The Salt When Walkways Turn Icy

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Get a grip! While our snow hasn't been deep so far this year, we've had plenty of slippery stuff.

Salt is very tough on plants and when it gets super cold, salt won't work anyway, and other ice melters have temperature limits too. So, it's smart to have something gritty on hand you can sprinkle on slick spots to help you get traction and prevent slips and falls.

Clean kitty litter works well and so does sand, which I save from holiday luminaries. After the annual holiday luminary display in December, I empty the sand from the luminary bags into a pail to keep by the door.

Having something gritty handy takes the worry out of running out the door on icy mornings. Just sprinkle sand ahead of you as you walk for instant traction. You can even carry a small bag of sand with you to help you make your way to the bus or train.

Later, when the ice thaws, sweep up or shop vac the sand so you don't track it inside, and put it back in the pail to use again.

And, even if sand gets swept into your garden, it won't injure plants the way salt can.