Most snowy places around the country throw salt on the roads to eliminate ice and improve road conditions. According to New Herald, experts fear all this road salt tossed onto sidewalks and scattered on highways, is having an alarming impact on the environment. Conscious of this fact, some cities are turning to less conventional materials to get the job done: beet juice, molasses, cheese brine, and beer.

Researchers on the subject cite mounting evidence that the 20 million tons of sodium chloride crystals used each year is increasing the salinity of hundreds of lakes — particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. In the past 50 years, chloride concentrates in some of the sampled lakes have quadrupled, and in a few cases, even increased a hundredfold. If the problem is not corrected, they warn, the runoff could threaten freshwater ecosystems and put everything from frogs to microscopic zooplankton at risk.

As the negative effects are becoming more apparent, some state and local agencies are stepping up. Agencies in New Jersey and North Dakota have started using a mixture containing beet juice to ward off ice. New Hampshire and Maine have turned to a molasses mixture. And in Wisconsin, it’s cheese waste product making an appearance on local roadways. Beer and pickle brine are also being used in some places.

Keeping roads clear for cars and sidewalks for pedestrians has never been more important. A study by Marquette University found that salted roads reduce accidents by up to 88 percent, compared to roads left untreated. But sodium chloride has its limits. In addition harming aquatic life and vegetation, it’s only effective when temperatures stay above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Salt corrosion is also the cause of billions of dollars in damages to cars, roads and bridges every year.

But you’ll grow cold if you’re waiting to see salt replacements nationwide anytime soon. Despite the benefits of other options, salt is still the cheapest and most effective option for keeping roadways clear, and many municipalities already struggle to keep up with the cost of long winters. But cheese and beer certainly do sound like much more fun.


Also see, How to avoid gaining weight during a cold winter

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Meghan is a full-time writer exploring the fun facts behind food. She lives a healthy lifestyle but lives for breakfast, dessert and anything with marinara. She’s thrown away just as many meals as she’s proud of.