Some viral tips are promoting the idea of using cheap commercial fertilizers as ice melt. The reason is the active ingredient, ammonium sulfate, works as a de-icing agent, and the fertilizer can be spread easily over large surfaces. So what's the problem? When temperatures rise, all of that fertilizer will end up in the melted snow and ice, creating a toxic runoff that can affect your municipal water or local waterways. It's best to avoid this tip and stick to more natural de-icing solutions.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know one of the biggest gas hogs during the winter months is a gas-powered snowblower? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates snowblowers create one pound of carbon monoxide emissions per hour. Additionally, they release other gases and volatile organic compounds into the air. The solution is either to clear your driveway and sidewalk the old-fashioned way, manually with a snow shovel, or opt for an electric snowblower instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you start your car and let it idle when it's freezing cold outside to allow the engine to "warm up"? While there is some valid reasoning around doing this, especially during frigid cold temps, you don't need to do it for more than 30 seconds. Modern cars have improved fuel-injected engines that work perfectly well without idling your car for several minutes before driving. Lessening your idle time will improve your fuel efficiency and also is better for our environment.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION