Week 30 - What's the Problem with My Candles?

While on this “going green” adventure there have been instances when it feels as though we have been doing everything wrong, as though we lack common sense. This is one of those instances. There we are in our favorite home store sniffing one candle after another for just the right scent to create ambiance and make our homes feel welcoming. Little do we realize we are contributing to the “dependence on oil” problem, diminishing our homes’ air quality, and along with all the other people worldwide who are making the same purchase, releasing tons of carbon into the air.

It’s true. Candles are wonderful. Scented candles can invoke memories of childhood, special occasions or favorite vacations. They can even imprint a memory (good or bad). Candlelight makes everyone look fabulous and really, is a romantic dinner sans candlelight, truly romantic?

We don’t have to give candles up; we just have to look for a few key things to make them safer for our environment and us.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR ISSUES

Regular paraffin candles (the most abundant candles on the market) are petroleum based (a non-renewable resource); you know the same petroleum as fuel. And what does fuel create when it’s burned? Exhaust. And what is exhaust? Pollution. This pollution contains carbon dioxide, which is responsible for global warming. You may say, “come on, I’m just burning a candle”, but think of it globally. Jeez, think of it nationally and that’s a ton of candles! Sure it may not be a major contributor to global warming, but remember we like the ‘every little bit helps’ philosophy. It’s what makes creating change more accessible and manageable.

By burning paraffin candles, we are bringing that same problem into our homes. There is a school of thought, which believes the soot residue from burned petroleum based candles is responsible for breathing problems in some people. True or not, we obviously want to reduce our indoor air pollution, not contribute to it.

So what do we shop for instead? Consider soy candles or even better, beeswax.

SOY CANDLES

Pros

1. Soybeans are a renewable resource.



2. You help support the farming industry.



3. Soya candles burn slower and cooler than paraffin candles.



4. Soya candles are cleaner burning since they are not petroleum based.



5. Soy wax is biodegradable.



6. Soy wax is easier to clean up. It is plant based; you can just use soap and water.



7. Soy wax is non-toxic, so it is safe for children and pets.



8. Scented soy candles are just as readily available as paraffin.



9. One additional bonus may be, if you have a company invested in manufacturing a “cleaner” more environmentally safe soy candle, they will likely use natural oils in creating their scents.

Cons

Soy is one of the most common allergens. If you or a family member is allergic, this is not the way to go.

BEES WAX CANDLES

Pros

1. They are made from a renewable resource, as opposed to petroleum.



2. They are cleaner burning and therefore produce less soot.



3. They last longer than paraffin candles. About 3 times longer since, they have a higher melting point.

Cons

1. These candles may not be easy to find. If you strike out in your area (again, buying locally is better for the environment), shop the internet.



2. Beeswax candles will likely be more expensive.

One more thing, read the label. You want 100% beeswax. Manufacturers can label candles as “beeswax” as long as the product contains 51% beeswax.

So why do I feel like we are losing our common sense, particularly when we are just talking about candles? What do we look for in a candle? Color and scent, right? We don’t consider a thing about it’s contents or how it‘s made. It’s superficial and we do it all the time. If you really think about it, that approach has put us in this environment crisis. I think we have handed over control of our safety. We assume (and remember the outcome of “ass”-uming), someone else is looking out for our best interests! Look at this Chinese manufacturing debacle. We need to be vigilant in our advocacy for our families’ safety and well-being. That includes knowing what we are buying. We have to come off autopilot, become aware, and make educated choices. Even in seemingly meaningless things like choosing the perfect candle.