Walking Easy (+)

• The product lives up to its claims. Sprinkle EcoTraction on icy areas, and the mineral works its way into the surface of the ice, providing instant traction — even very cold temperatures.
• After putting EcoTraction down, it slowly turns dark green as it absorbs water, indicating where you’ve already applied it. According to the manufacturer’s website, the dark color helps absorb more of the sun’s heat, thereby helping to melt the ice during the day.
• Pet lovers take note — EcoTraction is completely safe for pets. (In fact, it is sold in area pet stores.) According to the manufacturer’s website, EcoTraction actually helps reduce lawn damage from dog urine by neutralizing the ammonia before it burns the grass.
• Because of the way it bonds with the surface of the ice, it won’t track into your house as much as sand, cat litter, or salt do.
• EcoTraction will not damage landscaping. In the spring, just sweep the remaining material into your landscaping or lawn and it will, according to the manufacturer, help improve the quality of your landscaping by increasing the nutrients, aeration, and water-holding capacity. Of course, I won’t be able to notice this until next spring.

Slipping and Sliding (-)

• Once the snow or ice melts, you are left with a layer of greenish-colored material on your sidewalks. However, it is completely safe to just sweep it into your landscaping.
• It does not melt the ice or snow, only sits on top to provide a layer of traction. If you’re looking for a completely bare driveway or walkway, you won’t get it with this product.
• While the re-sealable bag is recyclable, the “zipper” on the bag does not work well — it is very difficult to close, particularly when it is very cold outside. I would recommend pouring EcoTraction into a closeable bucket and recycling the bag.
• EcoTraction was powdery, which made it difficult to spread evenly. I probably ended up using more than I should.

The Snow Down