The article highlights the drawbacks of using salt for de-icing winter pathways in Lithuania, noting that while it effectively melts ice, it also damages pavements, promotes the decay of paving blocks and concrete, and negatively affects soil and plant life. Furthermore, salt can irritate the paws of animals, eventually leading to aesthetic and infrastructure issues in urban areas. This makes finding more sustainable de-icing solutions important as winter weather becomes more prevalent.

As a simpler alternative, the article suggests using sand. Sand does not melt ice but increases surface roughness and traction, effectively reducing the risk of slipping without altering the surface structure or harming the environment. Using mechanical methods to mitigate slipping can be a more sustainable approach, especially in communities where environmental impact is a priority.

Besides sand, other alternatives such as magnesium chloride are highlighted in the article. Magnesium chloride functions similarly to road salt by lowering the freezing point of water and melting ice but is considered more effective at lower temperatures. As a result, it is increasingly chosen in regions experiencing harsher winter conditions or where quicker outcomes are necessary. With the need for effective winter safety measures, these alternatives could pave the way for more environmentally friendly solutions in urban maintenance in Lithuania.