Your choice of candles
‘Tis the season of Light! And the soft glow of candles adorning mantels, tables, centerpieces and windowsills is a heartening sight, creating a feeling of warmth, sense of well being, and peace.
Just as we would burn natural untreated wood in our fireplaces, we can consider using naturally based wax candles to avoid toxic fumes being released into our homes. The best and healthiest candles to be burning are either beeswax or naturally scented soy-based candles, rather than the paraffin candles we are so accustomed to.
What’s the difference you might ask?
Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum. We know that toxic, carcinogenic smog and fumes are the outcome of burning fuel that flows out our vehicle tail pipes. It hardly seems appropriate to have those fumes filling our homes regardless of whether the candles are scented or not. Would you agree?
On the other hand, vegetable-based candles like soy for example, burn much cleaner and 50% longer. Made from hydrogenated soybean oil – if they are fragranced it will be with essential oils. Typically companies that produce soy candles are focused on creating a product that is 100% natural, which includes being free from fragrance oils and synthetic ingredients. They will utilize cotton wicks, and not zinc materials, which leave black soot on the container and furnishings. Perhaps their mandates focus holistically on the environmental impact, incorporating sustainable packaging products. Soy candles are being touted as having a cleaner smell, and the ability to diffuse more of the fragrance into the room than paraffin candles.
The other wax candles to definitely consider are those made from beeswax. The natural scent of beeswax candles is heavenly. They are the purest and most natural of all waxes. The least amount of processing and no amount of additives go into their production. Negative ions are released into the atmosphere with the burning of beeswax candles. Clean air means that pollutants are lessened. The process of neutralizing dust and other air contaminants, which either fall to the ground or are drawn back into the burning candle, ultimately support the reduction of bronchial inflammation and allergies.
If your local gift ware store does not stock either soy or beeswax candles, perhaps a request for them to do so will create a demand and availability. Your choice of candles will go a long way in ensuring the health of your family and pets over the holiday celebrations – and through the winter months of toasty warm candle-lit nights.
