Abstract: A method and system for strengthening and hardening unpaved surfaces is presented wherein a triglyceride composition is applied to an unpaved area. The composition is comprised of a homogenized mixture of one or more triglycerides, water, one or more surfactants, and, optionally, a catalyst. The triglycerides used in the composition are generally commercially-available oils and greases, such as naturally-derived oils that contain mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides, such as those found in used cooking oil. The surfactant acts as a stabilizing agent and also aids in the saturation of the unpaved surface during application. The catalyst facilitates the drying and hardening process. The unpaved surface is compacted with a heavy roller and/or a vibratory compactor and then coated with an application of the triglyceride composition. In alternate embodiments, the triglyceride mixture is applied before the unpaved surface is compacted.