Place salt deicer crystals in a hand-held spreader and evenly distribute the salt over the ice. Sweep and dispose of the salt in a safe manner after the ice has melted. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the drying effects of the salt.
Spray liquid urea over the ice and allow it to sit until the ice is melted. Pour the liquid into a hand-held sprayer to distribute it. Liquid urea is a natural fertilizer that can still harm plant life if it's sprayed in high enough dosages.
Spread alfalfa meal to melt ice and leave traction for walking. Alfalfa meal is all natural and is used as a fertilizer. The nitrogen content in alfalfa meal is not harmful to lakes and ponds when used in moderation.