Beijing, on the Chinese mainland, saw its first snowfall of the season on December 12, and this time it wasn’t business as usual. Instead of the usual chemical-laced de-icers that can harm rivers, plants and even concrete, the city rolled out eco-friendly snow removal tactics to keep things chill without the spill. 🌱❄️
Why ditch the old de-icers?
Traditional de-icing salts and chemicals are super effective at melting ice, but they come with downsides:
- 🛢️ Pollution: Runoff can sneak into waterways and soil.
- 🚗 Corrosion: Cars, bridges and roads suffer long-term damage.
- 🌿 Ecosystem harm: Plants and wildlife can take the hit.
What’s the greener game plan?
Beijing’s new playbook mixes tech and nature to keep roads safe and eco-friendly:
- 💧 Organic de-icers: Made from beet juice and other plant-based ingredients.
- 🔧 Heated pavement panels: Embedded systems that melt snow on contact.
- 🧹 Mechanical brushes & plows: Physical removal before any melt.
For young urban explorers and professionals hustling through the winter chill, these changes mean cleaner air, safer streets and a city that’s stepping up for the planet. 👏🌏
With the rest of the season ahead, Beijing’s green-snow mission shows how cities can innovate when temperatures drop—and inspires us all to think twice before reaching for that salt shaker. 😉
Stay warm and stay green!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
