December 09 eMail update


Enjoy the snow AND protect our waterways


There is plenty of white fluffy stuff to play in right now and more to come. While you are enjoying all winter has to offer, remember the choices you make now can impact the health of our lakes and rivers later in the year. Small amounts of pollutants from our cars, sidewalks and driveways can add up to big problems for local waters. Road salt and deicers not only damage shoes, roads, infrastructure and gardens, but they also seep into groundwater and degrade water quality. As you react to the ice and snow this winter, remember that we can maintain safe roads and sidewalks and protect rivers with these water-friendly tips:

  • If you use rock salt or other common de-icers, be sure to follow the instructions and don’t use too much. Adding more than the recommended amount does not make the snow melt any faster.
  • The greenest way to deal with ice is to physically remove as much snow as possible. De-icers are not formulated to melt through ice build-up or compacted snow. The less ice there is, the less salt you will need to use.
  • Apply any ice-melting products at the beginning of a snow or ice storm. This prevents ice from bonding to the pavement and will ensure that less salt is needed.
  • Once the temperature dips below 15° F, salt is unable to penetrate the ice to start the dissolving process. When the air is bitter cold, regular playground sand can be used to increase traction Be sure to clean sand up properly during thaws, however, since it can easily clog drains and sewers.
  • There are many eco-friendlier alternatives to salt available at hardware stores, but some are greener than others. Most include a combination of salt combined with other common materials. A de-icer that includes salt mixed with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or potassium acetate (KA) is better than salt by itself.


Last minute Holiday Shopping


Would you rather play in the snow this weekend than deal with crowds of last minute shoppers? If so you can do your local holiday shopping online:


Memberships, Tickets & Donations make great gifts too


These online shopping options will not produce anymore "stuff", just great memories that can be enjoyed  by all!


Sustainable Madison information and survey available online


Information is now available online on what Madison has done regarding sustainability and on green initiatives from other cities. People are encouraged to fill out an online survey and help the City prioritize sustainability goals and initiatives. For more information, visit: www.cityofmadison.com/Sustainability/community.


Metro Commute Cards available soon!


Whether you work for an organization with one, 10, or 1,000 employees, the Metro Commute Card can make a difference. The Metro Commute Card is an annual unlimited ride pass available to businesses in early 2010. The Commute Card provides organizations with a way to offer an attractive employee/member benefit to lessen the demand for on-site parking and to help sustain the environment. To learn more about the benefits of the Commute Card program and how it can work for your organization, contact Peg Anthony with Metro Transit at 608-266-6545 or visit www.mymetrobus.com for more information.


In Business SustainAbility Awards

In Business magazine, in partnership with Sustain Dane, invites your participation in the first annual Business Sustainability Awards. The winners in each award category will be unveiled at an awards dinner in April 2010 (date and location TBD) and featured in the April issue of In Business magazine.

Award Categories

  • Eco-Product or Service of the Year
  • Sustainable Workforce Development of the Year
  • Ecosystem Protection Initiative of the Year
  • Eco-Efficiency Initiative of the Year
  • Sustainable Small Business of the Year
  • Sustainable Large Business of the Year
  • Sustainable Community of the Year
  • Sustained Individual Leadership Award
Nominate your organization or one you admire today! Materials due January 5, 2010.