Thinking outside the salt shaker

There is nothing I admire more than creativity. I have the utmost respect for those who think outside the proverbial box and try to put a new spin on an old problem. Even if it is not always a success story, I love the motivation and the thought process that got the idea that far.

I was reading the Green Press Gazette online the other day (to catch up on my Packer news, of course, HAHA!) and came across this story that made my creativity-loving day.

My home state, Wisconsin, has received ALOT of snow this winter. I believe they are even setting snowfall records. For that to happen in that state, well, it has to be incredible amount of snow. There have been numerous side effects of this snowfall: plenty of snow days (so jealous!), my numerous pairs of wet socks (which pretty much sealed the deal on my ever moving back there, LOL, I really hate wet socks.), and slightly more important than my wet socks, most road crews have completely depleted their salt reserves for the winter.

Many counties throughout the state have turned to a fantastic alternative, GeoMelt, made from...wait for it...beet juice! GeoMelt is an environmentally friendly de-icing agent that can be used in place of salt. It is less corrosive than salt and will not kill trees and shrubs as salt does. GeoMelt can even work in the frigid temps (under 15 degrees) where salt cannot.

And no worries, the beets in GeoMelt will not turn your car pink. But I think it would be cool if it did...as long as it was not permanent.

But what fascinates me about the product is that which I do not know. How did GeoMelt come to be? Did someone have an overabundant beet crop one year and have no clue what to do with them (kind of like how every year in late August, piles of zucchini and tomatoes start showing up in office lunchrooms across the country) and just start experimenting with them? Or was someone hauling groceries from the car one frigid January day when the plastic bag broke and the glass jar of beet juice fell and shattered on the sidewalk where the ice quickly melted away? EUREKA! So many questions!!!! I am completely fascinated by this product.

And I also have to give a big green thumbs up to the Green Bay Department of Public Works (and other departments like it across the Midwest) who are turning to GeoMelt not because it's cheaper (it is roughly the same price as salt) but simply because it is eco-friendly! I love it!!!!