Candles in the home give us a pleasant and serene experience. But do you have an idea that many of these candles harm the environment? Nowadays, we are experiencing many climate changes, indicating the need to follow steps to protect the environment around us. Our environment may benefit greatly from even tiny sustainable and organic actions from us. Can using organic candles be one of those steps? Let’s explore more.
Candles contain paraffin wax which is a byproduct of petroleum and can be hazardous to the environment. Moreover, many candles contain artificial fragrances and pesticide and chemicals-filled wicks. Burning these not only harm the environment but also harm the person who inhales the air in that room!
However, as people are becoming more conscious and responsible towards the environment, there are many eco-friendly options growing in the market. From reusable rockets to the growth of thrift stores, people are following more sustainable lifestyles to support the environment. It’s high time we realize the effect paraffin candles have on the environment and take necessary actions.
How do candles harm the environment?
Anything that burns releases gases into the environment, irrespective of its size. Whether it is firewood or wildfire or candles, burning anything leaves fumes. These fumes enter the environment around us and also would be inhaled by living beings.
When using paraffin wax candles, it releases harmful gases and even sometimes carcinogens because of synthetic fragrances. You must have been thinking that it’s just a small candle but imagine its effects when millions of people are using it! Shocked? That’s why it is crucial to shift to Sustainable candles.
Moreover, paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, extracting which causes air pollution and water pollution. Moreover, extracting more petroleum decreases sources of non-renewable energy too!
All these points clearly suggest the need to shift to eco-friendly candles.Â
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What are eco-friendly candles?
As the name suggests, eco-friendly candles are made with products that don’t harm or adversely affect the environment. These candles are sustainable and made with natural wax such as beeswax, soy wax, etc.; for fragrance, the makers use essential oil instead of harmful synthetic fragrances.
Lighting these candles not only gives you a serene and cozy feeling but also doesn’t harm your health. Considering the impacts of paraffin wax candles, it is always suggestible to use organic candles.
Benefits of eco-friendly candles
- The first and foremost benefit of eco-friendly candles is their positive effect on supporting the environment.
- Organic candles burn more time compared to paraffin ones. The melting points of natural wax are higher than paraffin. This gives value to your money too!
- Eco-friendly candles don’t contain any chemicals, so you can breathe the aroma, and it won’t adversely affect your health.
- Eco-friendly candles are one of the best sustainable gift ideas to present to people around you. In this way, you can also encourage them to support the environment.
- Natural and sustainable candles produce less smoke and soot.
- Eco-friendly candles are made up of biodegradable and recycling containers. This decreases waste on the earth.
- There are many locals and small-scale industries selling natural candles. When you buy these products, you can support them.
- If you are a vegan, who follows veganism from buying makeup products to vegan shoes, you can find vegan candles too!
Things to Consider Before Buying Organic Candles
You can find many products online with the tag “organic” and “natural.” But remember, not all may be eco-friendly. Let’s look at some considerations to make when purchasing candles.
1. Wax
As discussed earlier, the type of wax plays a crucial role in sustainable candles. You can get candles made up of soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, or ethical beeswax. If you follow veganism, you can avoid beeswax. Soy wax is prepared from soybeans. Soybeans are processed to produce soy oil, and this oil is used to prepare soy wax. Similarly, coconut wax and palm wax are prepared from coconut oil and palm oil, respectively.
2. Wick
Wick is another vital thing to consider while buying a candle. Basically, there are two types of wicks available in the market. One is made up of cotton, and another is wood. Usually, wood is cut down in thin slices and used in its pure and natural form. It is biodegradable and considered to be sustainable too.
On the other hand, cotton, in its pure form, is also organic. But many companies use thin metal strips placed in the middle of the cotton wick so that it burns quickly. Some companies coat the wick with a layer of paraffin to catch the flame quickly. These companies claim their wicks as eco-friendly, but in fact, they are not!
Wood wicks which are painted or varnished are also not eco-friendly. The paint on the wick releases harmful gases on burning. Farming cotton takes more water, and cutting down an older tree can cause deforestation. However, as the wood required for a wick is very small, one tree can give trillions of wicks. So, think about all these aspects and the choice is yours!
However, if you prepare your candles at home or buy them through small-scale industries, you can find two more choices of wicks. Those are rolled paper and hemp. Hemp requires comparably low water to harvest.
3. Container
The candle’s container is also substantial. Choose a container that is eco-friendly, sustainable or biodegradable, or recyclable. Most organic candles contain glass containers, and some may have recycling materials. Wooden containers, metal containers, jars, ceramic candle containers, concrete containers, and enamel containers are also the best choices.
I recently came across some candles made up of soy wax in coconut shells. You can also prepare this type of candle at home and use your creativity to paint the shell using organic colors.
4. Essential oil
There are many natural essential oils to use in the preparation of the candle. These essential oils are plant extracts in highly concentrated forms, giving a pleasant and unique aroma to the candle. For example, lemon, citrus, lavender, vanilla, lemongrass, rose, tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, etc. are some choices you can choose. Â
Conclusion
Any significant change can happen from a slight movement. Your small step to switch towards organic candles can considerably impact the environment. You can choose any organic candles of your choice. The type of wax used, type of wick, choice of essential oil, and the containers should be considered before buying an organic candle. You can also prepare your own candle at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an organic candle?
Natural candles, often known as organic candles, are created from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut base. Infused with essential oils and wicks made of coconut fiber or wood. Whereas, traditional commercial candles are typically created using paraffin wax, a petroleum-based wax having various toxic substances.
Why are organic candles preferable?
Natural Candles Have Many Advantages:
1. They don’t contain any toxic chemicals.
2. Organic waxes, such as soy wax or beeswax, are a simple approach to avoid chemical exposure.
3. Candles composed of natural materials, such as cotton, hemp, or wood, are preferable.Â
How do you know that candle is organic?Â
Look for candles that are created with 100% natural waxes (such as soy or beeswax), are scented with 100% essential oils (or are unscented), and have cotton, paper, or wooden wicks.
What is the organic formula of the candle?Â
Candle wax has the chemical formula CnH2n+2. N is the variable number of carbon atoms. It is essentially a hydrocarbon, and the precise formula can be discovered by inspecting the type of wax used in the candle-making process.
