You come home from a long day at work. You shower, get changed into some sweatpants, sit down on the couch with a drink, and light a candle. It's an ideal scenario for a nice relaxing night at home. While a candle is a staple to romantic or relaxing evening at home, it could secretly be harming you in the midst of your self-care routine.
Not all Candles are Created Equal
Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a product of crude oil. While this makes good use of waste product, it's not the most sustainable option, and possibly not the healthiest either. Continuing to burn candles made from paraffin leads to reliance on the fossil fuel industry, and further preventing us from reducing our carbon footprint. Switching to soy or beeswax candles uses natural products and is far more sustainable than using paraffin wax since both are naturally-occurring sources.
Soy wax and beeswax also have a cleaner burn than paraffin wax. Due to paraffin being made from oil, this can lead to soot and toxic carcinogens being burned right in your home. When burned, there is a possibility you are exposing yourself to fumes such as Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Toulene. Years of breathing in these carbon emissions can also possibly lead to the development of asthma or lung cancer.
Health and environmental benefits aside, soy and beeswax candles are also more cost efficient! The overall production of a paraffin candle adds a bit to the cost, from packaging, transportation, and labor. Buying candles made from local beeswax or local businesses would cut transportation, use renewable resources, and many use re-usable packaging, which overall lowers the cost. No matter if you buy locally or online, paraffin candles burn faster than soy or beeswax in general. Making the switch from candles will last longer and stretch out your dollar.
How Soy Candles and Beeswax Candles are Made
Begin with melting your wax base of choice.
Candlemakers then take a jar and non-toxic candle wick and place it into the jar. The wax is then poured in. Perfume-free essential oils can be added for scent.
After letting the wax harden, the candles can be lit and ready to use.
Soy and beeswax give a cleaner burn, so when it's time to put it out, carbon emissions aren't being let into your home like traditional paraffin wax candles.
How to Make the Switch
So just how can you make your self care routine that much better for you? Healthy and sustainable candles is a growing demand in the industry. Many have started dabbling in the DIY of candle making. Some recipes are as simple as getting your wax base of choice, non toxic wick, glass jar, and perfume-free essential oils. However, if crafts aren't your thing, as previously mentioned, local businesses are a great option! Support your community or individuals who are upcoming in the business, whether it's in person or online. There's a lot of great online options for candle buying. One of our favorites is Keap Candles.
Need to find a way to reconnect and refresh yourself while restoring the balance with nature? With a range of masterful scents, get whisked away to a peaceful, cozy cabin in the woods or a a sandy beach with salty waves hitting the shore. Find the right one for you.
Credits:
Created with images by John-Mark Smith - "untitled image" • Queven - "candle smoke candlelight" • Fi Bell - "untitled image" • Fi Bell - "untitled image" • Elizabeth Explores - "untitled image" • Elizabeth Explores - "untitled image"