Salt reduces ice and increases safety on walkways. Commonly available sodium chloride can be harmful to pets and is worse for water quality than other salts. Some alternatives that are better for the environment include magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and potassium chloride. Applying too much salt can stain clothes, kill grass, and contribute to corrosion on unprotected metal. Before you apply salt, shovel as much snow and ice off the surface as possible.