FAQ

ecoTraction is manufactured from a family of hydrothermal volcanic minerals. Simply put, ecoTraction was formed as superheated mineral-rich water, circulating in areas of volcanic activity, which crystallized and was deposited in small “vesicles” or holes within massive sequences of lava and other rocks. This process takes millions of years.

Over time, a porous, negatively charged, high surface area mineral formed with unique characteristics that make it a highly effective traction agent that also comes with environmental benefits.

ecoTraction PRO is made of the same 100% natural mineral as ecoTraction. The only differences are that the larger granules are optimized for commercial spreaders, and we sell it in larger format including 1-ton totes.

ecoTraction PRO takes longer to break down and has excelled at providing traction in residential, commercial, industrial and municipal applications. It is designed to provide longer traction for high foot traffic areas, driveways and side roads. It doesn’t melt away like salt, but provides increased traction during freeze/thaw cycles.

ecoTraction PRO tracks even less into buildings than the original ecoTraction because of its larger granules and because the smaller particles have been removed.

Each ecoTraction granule has microscopic channels that absorb the slippery layer of water found on ice. This enables ecoTraction to quickly embed into ice and snow. Its rigid, spiny structure makes ecoTraction the ultimate traction agent for slippery winter conditions. This means ecoTraction is the most effective product to provide ‘instant grip’ during dangerous freezing rainstorms.

Our research shows that one cup of ecoTraction will safely cover one average parking space, making ecoTraction the most cost-effective solution on the market. Combine that value with zero environmental impact and the opportunity to reuse it for multiple applications, and ecoTraction produces real value-for-money.

ecoTraction is superior to other traction agents like sand or cat litter for several reasons:

• University of Carleton tests have shown that even by using 7x less ecoTraction than sand, ecoTraction still provides 35% better traction

• ecoTraction tracks less than sand due to its embedding abilities and larger granule size

• ecoTraction is a softer stone than sand so it’s less likely to scratch flooring

• ecoTraction is 50% lighter than sand and doesn’t easily clump so it’s easier to load and transport

• If sand accumulates in lawns, unlike ecoTraction sand as top dressing can cause drainage problems and dry pockets in the soil

• Cat litter is made up of bentonite clay and eventually turns to ‘mush’ on snow or ice

Use ecoTraction as a traction agent anywhere around your home or business where people walk or drive on slippery ice and snow. Areas to focus on are sidewalks, driveways, stairs, patios, decks, play areas, landings, pet areas, parks, trails, and parking lots.

In the spring, simply sweep ecoTraction onto your lawn or garden, or reuse it for multiple other household applications.

Dry, Powdery Snow

Start by removing the snow. If walking conditions are still slippery, spread a thin layer of ecoTraction so that the walking area is visibly covered.

Sleet, Freezing Rain

As soon as ice begins to build up, apply ecoTraction to ensure safe walking conditions. It will provide incredible traction instantly. Repeated applications might be necessary as ecoTraction gets covered by additional layers of ice. However, ecoTraction will surface again after some melting.

Wet, Heavy Snow

Remove snow, then lightly apply ecoTraction. When more than two inches accumulate, shovel excess snow and reapply if necessary. Note that much of the ecoTraction should remain embedded into the bottom ice layer and stay there in spite of shoveling.

Accumulations of Hardened Snow and Ice

ecoTraction is the perfect product for areas where snow and ice are packed down and don’t need to be removed. Simply sprinkle ecoTraction directly on top of the hard-packed snow and reapply lightly if necessary after subsequent snow and ice accumulation.

As slippery conditions are created in the spring from melting during the day and freezing at night, ecoTraction provides constant traction. As each layer of snow that melts, it exposes embedded granules.

ecoTraction unique properties help improve your soil’s nutrient reservoirs, infiltration rate, aeration, and water-holding capacity. Its absorbent quality keeps water in the soil longer and its honeycomb structure helps improve the movement of air through soil.

Each ecoTraction granule, through its high cation exchange capacity, also maintains a reservoir of plant-accessible nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium to replenish those removed by leaching rainfall or irrigation water. Using ecoTraction will help you water and fertilize less, yet keep your lawn greener and lusher!

ecoTraction is made from a natural volcanic mineral with a unique, complex honeycomb structure that acts like a cage, working at the molecular level against heavy metals and harmful toxins. Because it is one of the few negatively charged minerals in nature, ecoTraction acts as a magnet drawing toxins to it, capturing them in its cage and removing them from the environment.

ecoTraction has a high cation exchange capacity, which means that within the small honeycomb structure of the ecoTraction molecule, it can exchange, absorb and trap ions from the environment. It is this unique cation exchange capacity that makes this mineral so widely used in a broad range of environmental applications.

ecoTraction is a volcanic mineral designed to provide high-traction but it can also melt into snow and ice because it is dark in colour when moist. It concentrates solar radiation like a black car in the sun where this daytime solar heat absorption helps ecoTraction embed itself into ice and snow.

When you leave the house, simply sprinkle a thin layer of ecoTraction on slippery areas for INSTANT TRACTION. When you return, you will notice that the dark green granules exposed to direct sunlight will have penetrated the surface of the ice. As ecoTraction granules melt further into ice, they leave behind little holes that accelerate ice decay and help with removal.

The big advantage of ecoTraction is that it provides INSTANT TRACTION when you need it most! Unlike chloride-based ice melters (like salt) that are corrosive and toxic, ecoTraction is chemical-free, non- corrosive and non-toxic. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your pets, concrete walkway and lawns are safe.

ecoTraction Tracks less than sand or salt because of its tendency to embed into ice and snow. However, to reduce tracking even more, you can either mix ecoTraction with warm tap water, or microwave a cup of ecoTraction for 30 seconds to ensure that each granule embeds immediately. We also recommend simply tapping your boots outside before entering the house. If some ecoTraction tracks inside the house, it is non-corrosive and will not corrode like salt does.

ecoTraction is an excellent complement to ice melters. ecoTraction will prevent slips and falls by absorbing the slippery brine that can be left over from incomplete ice melting and which is prone to dangerous re-freezing. ecoTraction’s sponge-like structure will also absorb some of the white residue caused by salt and ice melters, thereby reducing unsightly stains and limiting damage to lawns and gardens.

ecoTraction also has the unique ability to absorb heavy metals leached from diluted road salt, thereby helping to reduce salt’s destructive environmental impact.

You can sweep up leftover ecoTraction onto the lawn or gardens since it benefits the soil. You can also sweep up leftover ecoTraction and reuse it the following winter.

There are also year-round common household applications where you can use this mineral:

Oil absorption

ecoTraction has proven to be a very effective oil spill absorbent. It can even lift an old oil stain from concrete. Simply crush ecoTraction with your foot into the stain, and leave it for a week or so before sweeping it up.

Deodorizer

ecoTraction can also be used as a natural deodorizer for smoking or pet areas, or in damp areas like basements. Simply leave ecoTraction exposed on a tray or bowl and place it in the desired area.

If you have pets, ecoTraction makes a great additive to cat litter or horse stall bedding that will absorb the strong ammonia smell from urine. You can spread it on lawns to prevent grass dying from dog urine since ecoTraction converts the toxic ammonia to plant-beneficial ammonium.

Aquarium water purifier

If rinsed thoroughly, ecoTraction can be used as an aquarium stone to naturally absorb and reduce nitrates and sulphates in the water.

Soil enricher

ecoTraction makes a great soil amendment for lawns and gardens. For optimal results, mix-in 10 pounds per 100 square feet of topsoil. It also works well as a natural insecticide against slugs due to its natural drying properties.