eco-friendly ideas

Building materials

• Better than plywood – Two teens made a strong, waterproof building material out of things that are normally thrown away – pineapple waste and recycled plastics. The best mix is made from 90 percent high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and 10 percent pineapple leaf fiber. The tiles they created are waterproof and termite-resistant. Those are big pluses in the tropical world. The material is twice as flexible as plywood but twice as strong, the teens say. Their new material is also durable, has a shiny surface and can be dyed any color. The teens expect it could be used to make anything from shelving to plastic furniture.

Winter road safety

• EcoTraction – an eco-friendly ice melter and road salt alternative traction agent to prevent winter slips and falls on icy surfaces. It provides instant traction for freezing rain or car emergencies on concrete or stone walkways. This all-natural volcanic mineral is safe to touch or accidentally ingest by children, pets, and wildlife. EcoTraction contains no salt, chlorides, chemicals, or dyes.The most commonly used ice melters are salts and are very harmful to the environment and the vehicles that have to travel through them.