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During Ontario winters, we are using much more salt than we need to keep our roads, sidewalks and parking lots safe. In fact, when at their peak level of salt, some waterways are just as salty as the ocean! Road salt contains chloride, and its excessive use can have devastating effects on freshwater species. Freshwater fish can’t survive in water that’s too salty, and salty water kills eggs and larvae of wildlife such as mussels.
The good news is that solutions to balance public safety and environmental health are possible. You can become an advocate at your workplace to support better management practices and make your property #LessSalty.
How Will This Action Create Change?
- Help mitigate the effects of chloride on wildlife by reducing the amount that enters our waterways in the first place.
- Save on operational costs by avoiding the application of excess road salt.
- Showcase your organizational commitment to keeping freshwater environments.
- Learn how a few easy changes to maintenance contracts can make a big difference in preventing overuse of salt.
When you’ve completed this action, share your results with us for the opportunity to be featured in Living Planet @ Work communications.
