Fall is here and who doesn't love the cozy effect that lighting a nice candle has on a room? The warm, flickering flame and pleasing scent can take any setting and turn it into an inviting and comfortable space. But have you ever thought about the impact that your little candle is having on your health or on the environment?
We did. And that's why we threw out all of our paraffin wax candles.
Paraffin candles produce harmful by-products, some of which are even carcinogenic like formaldahyde, Acrolein, Toulene, and many others. Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product, meaning that it is oil-based and associated with all the same environmental implications that any oil product has. From habitat destruction, contamination of the environment with toxins, to increasing the level of greenhouse gases, the oil in the average candle is causing the same kind (though not level) of damage that dirty, oil-based manufacturing and transportation causes.
Scented candles are even worse as many of the "scents" are actually chemicals that can become toxic when burned. We literally pollute the air immediately around us while innocently hoping to create a more liveable environment. It's quite backwards, isn't it?
The alternative? Soy and beeswax candles don't give off the same level of toxins during burning as petroleum candles do. They are also more environmentally friendly options as they can be sustainably produced, something that isn't possible with the petroleum based paraffin wax.
Moreover, candles usually come packaged in extra plastic which gives little utility and is difficult to recycle. We choose candles that come in minimalist packaging, or better yet, in tins or glass containers which can be reused or recycled, depending on your needs. Mind you, these are also safer when it comes to the possibility of a fire, but of course that doesn't mean that they can burn unsupervised.
Hopefully now you'll think again before buying and lighting that paraffin wax candle. Here's how you can "green" your candle burning habits and make them healthier for you, your family, and the environment:
Ways to Make Your Candle Burning Habit Greener and Cleaner
Replace Paraffin Wax Candles with Soy or Beeswax Candles
Use candles only scented by essential oils rather than artificial fragrances
Buy Candles with minimal plastic packaging, instead opt for reusable pots or containers
Buy Candles made by local makers which have a small ecological footprint
We stock a number of different candle lines in our stores, including Natuur Candles, Muskoka Candle Co., Au Naturel, and Indigo Wild's ZUM Glow. All of these are soy candles made in North America (most of them in Canada), and come in reusable containers. Drop into our stores to pick up a seasonal candle, or shop online.
Keep Living the Green Life!