Alert: Planned Site Outage Tonight: Tue. July 28th, 9pm-Midnight PST
my care2
make a difference
healthy & green living: more than 5,000 ways to enhance your life

customize your free newsletter

Customize your Healthy & Green Living newsletter now


A Guide to Eco-Friendly Candles

posted by Annie B. Bond May 11, 2000 1:44 am
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Candles
14 comments

Pure beeswax and vegetable-oil-based candles are the healthiest
choices for us and for the environment. We have a range of helpful
information about candles on Care2, from how to make beeswax
candles yourself, to the dangers of candle soot, to how to safely
remove dripped candle wax, and resources. Here is an index page for
it all:

Candle soot can cause indoor air pollution. Make sure you don’t burn candles with metal wicks and be aware that aromatherapy candles can cause serious soot problems but for health and for objects such as computers. Some mistakenly think that the soot they are getting from their candls is coming from their furnace. For more on soot, read this.

Tips for Making Safe Candles Yourself: How-to Guide.

Paraffin is a petroleum product, which is not a renewable resource and causes pollution in its production.

Pure beeswax and vegetable oil candles are readily available. Some brands include Beeswax Candles; Pure Light Candles; and Pure Essential Oil Candles.

More on Health & Safety (194 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3248 articles available)

14 comments

14 comments

add your comment »
14 comments add your comment
Dawn Mathisen

I found a candle in 2005 that I fell in love with the scent throw and performance. In fact, I loved them so much I became not only a consumer but a distributor.

It is a plant/veggie wax candle. I see things on the internet sometimes that our's are soy (they are not) nor are they from beeswax. Our company is actually a part of supporting the Penn State research to save the honeybee and I'm glad we don't use beeswax in our product.

It is a matter of personal preference however I love our's. They are a great value for the money, perform exceptionally and don't emit the black sooty mess with many other candles. You can find out more at my website at:
http://www.coolcandlebusiness.com

It's always good to be an informed consumer and determine what works best with your lifestyle and values.

Dawn Mathisen

Marie Rhoades

We make our candles from 100% organic & kosher soy wax (no additional additives at all), we use premium grade fragrance oils which are made from a soy based oil (instead of the usual petroleum based fragrance oil), only cotton or paper wicks - no dyes.

Beeswax tapers are a favorite of mine too...I agree they don't need any fragrance added.

Thanks for educating people about the dangers of toxic paraffin candles.

www.SallyLeeCandles.com

Charlotte V.

I use a vegetable wax and beeswax candle that is naturally scented, cotton wick - virtually soot-free
Go to see what I use: burnbettercandle.scent-team.com

Anna Liccione

Go to www.wayoutwax.com

All natural soy and beeswax candles. Only scented with pure essential oils. Also Organic line with organic soy and org essential oils...

Lisa S.
  • Lisa S. says
  • Jun 28, 2009 6:49 PM

Hi! where do I find floating candles made of beeswax that are just plain and round?

Lisa S.
  • Lisa S. says
  • Jun 28, 2009 6:48 PM

Hi! where do I find floating candles made of beeswax that are just plain and round?

Jane Weeks

Angelica, beeswax candles don't need added scent. They already smell wonderful just as they are (& they make the air smell wonderful, too). BTW, olive oil lamps are now on my website under the "Your Sustainable Home" tab.

Angelica S.

I was wondering even if the candles are beeswax, should you avoid scented candles? I like the smell of them sometimes so what's a good idea if scented candles are bad?

Jane Weeks

Beeswax is the only 100% natural candle wax -- no processing required. The bees are not harmed by reputable beekeepers. Vegetable oils are processed to be made into candle waxes. Of the veg oils, palm oil is probably the best as long as it comes from smallholder palms. I purchase my beeswax from a local beekeeper who I know.
An alternative to candles is veg oil lamps. You can use any type of veg oil; they burn beautifully. I use them instead of my antique oil lamps which use paraffin oil (petroleum derivative). I have them in my shop for sale, but they're not on the website yet. Please visit www.smallbones.ca

BURN TO SHINE Natural Can

www.burntoshine.etsy.com

I make my own Australian beeswax candles .... lush golden pure beeswax, a cotton wick and a spoonful of love!

50% off all shipping for the month of March to celebrate Earth Hour and how fantastic this event is in highlighting the danger of burning scented paraffin candles.

Choose a healthier candle for the planet as well as our health!!

peacelovelight...
Monique

Please enter your comment.
Or, log in with your
Facebook account:
1500 characters remaining

who's talking about this story?

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

614

Copyright © 2009 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved