If end users are looking for green ice melter, the best course of action is to look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment label. The DfE approval is the closest thing available to ice melt certification.

The DfE criteria requires the product to melt ice and snow at temperatures less than zero degrees Fahrenheit. It also has to reduce sodium and chloride use by at least 30 percent and not contain cyanide as an anti-caking agent.

Manufacturers must also have agreed to a customer education and training plan to help ensure the product is used and applied correctly. Distributors should ask their supplier about these programs.