How to choose eco-friendly candles
May 21, 2008Whether you’re planning a romantic wedding or a candle-lit dinner for two, look for these green candle options.
- Beeswax candles are naturally scent-a-licious, non-toxic, soot-free, and non-allergenic. They’re completely renewable and require little, if any, additives. You’ll find that 100 percent beeswax candles are relatively easy to come by and burn longer than regular paraffin candles (a byproduct of petroleum).
- Soy-based candles are generally vegan, soot-free, and biodegradable, and like beeswax, they’re renewable. They also burn up to 50 percent longer than paraffin candles and, if spilled, can be cleaned up with soap and water. Two downsides: First, soy doesn’t throw scent as well as some other varieties. Secondly, you won’t find soy candles for your birthday cake or your candelabra since soy wax is soft and therefore usually encased in a glass jar or tin. Consider opting out of GMO-varieties by choosing Certified Organic ingredients.
- Palm oil comes from the fruit of palm trees (so no plants die during harvesting). Palm oil can be infused with essential oils, allowing them to fill a room with lovely aromas. They’re clean burning and long lasting. Like soy, it’s wise to choose GMO-free palm wax whenever possible.
- Vegans beware: Many candles (yes, even natural ones) are made with stearic acid—an animal-derived fat from meatpacking plants. If this is a concern, read ingredient lists or request more information before buying.
- Hidden ingredients sometimes sneak their way into natural products, so check labels before making a final purchase. In particular, be sure to choose 100 percent paraffin-free options (some natural candle manufacturers add a little paraffin to the mix) and opt out of lead-based wicks, which can be hazardous to your health. Safe wick options include hemp, cotton, or paper. Scent and color may make for a less-than-healthy candle experience, too. Synthetic fragrances often added to candles have been identified as VOC-emitters.