Brooke Martin
Candles are a popular gift idea for birthdays and special occasions, but they can do more harm than good to both our health and the environment. Conventional candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that releases toxic chemicals when burned. To avoid this, opt for eco-friendly candles made from natural, biodegradable ingredients like coconut wax, beeswax, rapeseed wax, or soy wax. These candles burn cleaner, produce less soot, and are healthier for those with respiratory conditions. They also often have natural fragrances from essential oils rather than artificial scents, and use cotton, hemp, or wooden wicks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | Soy, beeswax, coconut, rapeseed |
| Wick Type | Cotton, hemp, wood |
| Fragrance | Essential oils |
| Packaging | Minimal, paper, recycled, compostable, recyclable |
| Toxins | No paraffin, benzene, toluene, phthalates, dyes, lead, zinc |
| Other | Biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free, fair trade |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid paraffin wax
When shopping for eco-friendly candles, it is important to avoid paraffin wax. Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum, a harmful fossil fuel that contributes to climate change. It is also derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, and its production has a negative impact on the environment.
Paraffin wax is used in candles because it is inexpensive, holds a high amount of fragrance and colour, and burns consistently. However, burning paraffin releases highly toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. These toxins are linked to various health issues, including respiratory irritation, allergies, and even cancer. As such, paraffin candles are a leading cause of indoor air pollution.
To avoid the dangers of paraffin wax, opt for candles made from natural ingredients such as coconut wax, beeswax, rapeseed wax, or soy wax. These waxes are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable. For example, Keap makes zero-waste candles from coconut wax, while Herbivore Botanicals uses American-grown soy wax and a cotton wick.
When choosing candles, it is also important to consider the wicks. Ensure that the wicks are made from natural materials such as cotton, hemp, or wood, and that they are lead and metal-free.
Additionally, be mindful of the packaging. Choose candles with simple, eco-friendly packaging that is reusable or compostable. Avoid excessive plastic packaging that will only end up in landfills.
By avoiding paraffin wax and opting for natural, sustainably sourced, and responsibly produced alternatives, you can create a safer and more environmentally friendly ambiance in your home.
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Choose natural fragrances
When choosing eco-friendly candles, it is important to opt for natural fragrances. Conventional scented candles are a significant source of indoor air pollution and can release toxins when burned. Therefore, choosing candles scented with essential oils or natural fragrances is a greener and more ethical option.
Essential oils are natural extracts made from plants and flowers, offering a strong and natural fragrance. They provide a safe and beneficial experience, especially for those interested in aromatherapy, as they do not contain synthetic chemicals that can contribute to health problems. For example, traditional candles made with paraffin wax can release harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to be carcinogenic.
Natural fragrances are often used in candles made from natural waxes like beeswax, soy, or coconut wax. These natural waxes burn cleaner and produce fewer harmful byproducts than traditional paraffin candles. For instance, beeswax candles burn cleaner, have a longer burn time, and purify the air. Soy wax is also a good option as it is natural, vegan, renewable, and biodegradable. Coconut wax is regarded as the purest and most eco-friendly option, although it is more expensive.
When choosing candles with natural fragrances, it is important to ensure that the ingredients are sustainably harvested and responsibly produced. For example, palm oil should be avoided as it has been a major driver of deforestation. Instead, opt for brands that use natural essential oils and extracts, like Herbivore Botanicals, which uses 100% pure essential oil fragrances. Additionally, look for candles with wicks made from natural materials like cotton, hemp, or wood, and avoid wicks that contain heavy metals or lead.
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Opt for eco-friendly packaging
Opting for eco-friendly packaging is an important step in reducing the environmental impact of candle consumption. Conventional candles often come in excessive amounts of plastic-based packaging, which is non-recyclable and ends up in landfills. To make a more sustainable choice, look for candles with simple, eco-friendly packaging.
One example of a company that uses eco-friendly packaging is Keap, which makes zero-waste candles from coconut wax. Their packaging is made from Ecovative's Mushroom packaging, which can be composted. Even their shipping labels are compostable, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability throughout the supply chain.
Another company, Sand + Paws, uses biodegradable wood pulp for their front candle labels and recycled paper for their box labels. They also collaborate with Ecologi to plant a tree for every order, further reducing their environmental impact.
When choosing candles, look for those with minimal packaging or none at all. Paper labels, reusable jars, and simple, unfussy packaging are more environmentally friendly options. You can also look for companies that offer recycling programs for used candle containers or those that use recycled materials in their packaging.
Additionally, consider the shipping process and choose companies that use sustainable shipping practices. This includes compostable shipping labels and recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials. By opting for eco-friendly packaging, you can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Use sustainable waxes
When choosing an eco-friendly candle, it is important to consider the type of wax used. Conventional candles are typically made with paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum, which is a fossil fuel. When burned, paraffin releases toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens.
To make more sustainable choices, opt for candles made with natural and organic waxes. Here are some of the most sustainable wax options for eco-friendly candles:
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the most sustainable and natural waxes available. It has been used for centuries to make candles and is a by-product of honey production, making it a renewable resource. Beeswax is also non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and releases negative ions when burned, helping to clean the air of pollutants and allergens. It is important to note that while beeswax is biodegradable and naturally cleans the air, it is not vegan.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is another highly sustainable option. It is made from the oil of the coconut palm and is renewable, biodegradable, and has a low carbon footprint. Coconut wax burns cleanly, producing minimal soot, and has a creamy texture that makes it ideal for creating high-quality candles. It is also one of the purest and most eco-friendly options, although it may be slightly more expensive.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is derived from the seeds of the rapeseed plant and is a natural, vegan, renewable, and biodegradable option. It is known for distributing scent well, making it a good choice for scented candles.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is another natural, vegan, renewable, and biodegradable option. However, it is important to do additional research when considering soy-based candles due to concerns around the soybean industry, including deforestation and pesticide use.
When choosing an eco-friendly candle, it is also worth considering the sustainability of the entire product, including the ingredients, production practices, packaging, and the afterlife of the container. Opt for candles with natural essential oils, plant-derived dyes, and cotton or wooden wicks. Support brands that value sustainability, use renewable energy, recycle used containers, and support fair trade and local suppliers.
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Avoid harmful wicks
Conventional scented candles are a significant source of indoor air pollution, releasing toxins when burned. Many candles have wicks that contain heavy metals, such as lead, which can release harmful levels of airborne heavy metals when burned. To avoid inhaling these toxic chemicals, opt for candles with wicks made from natural materials that are lead and metal-free.
One option for eco-friendly wicks is to choose candles with cotton wicks. Cotton wicks are often braided with thin paper threads to give the wick a rigid structure without the need for a core. These wicks are known as ECO wicks and are commonly used in soy wax candles and low-melt-point paraffin wax candles. They have good burn stability and minimise mushrooming, soot, and smoke.
Another option for eco-friendly wicks is to choose candles with wooden wicks. Wooden wicks provide a unique, crackling flame and are a more natural alternative to metal-core wicks. They are often used in natural wax candles, such as soy or beeswax, and can be infused with essential oils to create a pleasant aroma.
Hemp wicks are another eco-friendly alternative. Hemp is a natural, renewable resource that can be sustainably grown and processed. Hemp wicks are known for their long burn time and are often used in beeswax or soy wax candles.
When choosing candles with eco-friendly wicks, it is important to read the labels carefully and do your research. Some candles may claim to be eco-friendly but still contain small amounts of lead or other metals in the wicks. Opt for trusted brands that are transparent about their ingredients and production processes.
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Frequently asked questions
Eco-friendly candles are made from natural, sustainable materials such as coconut wax, soy wax, beeswax, rapeseed wax, and essential oils.
Most conventional candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum — a harmful fossil fuel. Paraffin wax releases toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene when burned, which are known carcinogens.
Eco-friendly candles offer improved air quality by releasing fewer pollutants and toxins into the air. They also reduce health risks associated with burning conventional candles, such as respiratory problems and allergies. Additionally, eco-friendly candles are typically made from renewable and biodegradable resources, making them more environmentally friendly.
When shopping for eco-friendly candles, look for candles made from natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients. Ensure that the ingredients are sustainably harvested and responsibly produced. Avoid candles with synthetic fragrances and opt for those scented with essential oils. Choose candles with wicks made from cotton, hemp, or wood, and avoid wicks with lead or metal cores. Also, consider the packaging and choose simple, eco-friendly packaging that is reusable or recyclable.
Some recommended brands for eco-friendly candles include Keap, Herbivore Botanicals, Sand + Paws, Babel, AUGUST&PIERS, Public Goods, P.F. Candle Co., and Sanari Candle. These brands offer candles made from sustainable materials, natural fragrances, and eco-friendly packaging.
