With so many candle options on the market, one wonders if they are bad for the environment. Will we be doing the right thing by buying them? Read on and we'll explore the environmental impact of candles and which type of wax candle is the safest for the environment.
Environmental impact of candles
The environmental impact of candles largely depends on the type of wax used.
PARAFFIN WAX CANDLES
They are made from petroleum-based wax and have been scientifically proven to release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. They are the candles with the most units sold in the market because aesthetically they look good (colors, fragrances, shapes) but paraffin wax is not a renewable resource and is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. So let's say NO to this type of candle.
SOY WAX CANDLES
They are made from natural soybeans and are considered a more sustainable option. Soy is a renewable resource and soy wax is biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice. However, growing soy can have negative environmental impacts if not done sustainably, so it's important to choose soy wax candles that are made with responsibly sourced soy. Let's support brands with sustainably certified soy wax!
BEESWAX CANDLES
They are another eco-friendly option. Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees, and its production is considered sustainable and ecological despite not being vegan. Additionally, beeswax candles do not contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances. But remember that you must also have responsible treatment with bees.
PALM WAX CANDLES
They are also a renewable and sustainable option. Palm oil, which is used to make palm wax, is derived from the fruit of the oil palm and is a highly productive and efficient crop. However, palm oil production has been linked to deforestation and habitat destruction for endangered species, so it's important to choose palm wax candles that are certified sustainable.
What type of wax candle is the safest for the environment?
While soy wax candles are a more sustainable option than paraffin wax candles, it's important to choose soy wax candles that are made with responsibly sourced soybeans. Look for candles that are "sustainably sourced" to ensure that the soy used in the production of the candles was grown without contributing to deforestation or other negative environmental impacts.
Beeswax candles and palm wax candles are considered the safest options. But as soy wax, both beeswax and palm wax need to be certified that are sustainably produced. Additionally, these types of wax candles do not release harmful chemicals into the air when burned.
That is why we must be responsible buyers and find out before buying. Only we can be an agent of change in our environmental footprint. Let's look for a responsibly sourced candle. By choosing candles made with renewable and sustainably sourced materials, we can enjoy the ambiance and fragrance of candles while minimizing our impact on the environment.
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