The widespread use of road salt and other ice melters during winter has become a cornerstone of maintaining safety on roadways and sidewalks, but it comes at a cost. While these substances effectively lower the freezing point of water, they are corrosive to infrastructure and pose significant environmental risks. Winter salts can accumulate in the soil and runoff into watersheds, impacting ecosystems, human health, and water quality. This presentation will explore the detrimental effects of ice melters and provide practical strategies to reduce their use without compromising public safety, offering a balanced approach to winter weather management.