What's the environmental impact of a candle?
What’s the Environmental Impact of a Candle?
Candles add warmth, ambiance, and a calming glow to our homes. But have you ever wondered about their environmental impact? Whether you’re burning a candle to relax or to scent your space, the type of candle you choose can make a difference for both your health and the planet. In this post, we’ll explore the environmental footprint of traditional candles versus eco-friendly alternatives like soy, beeswax, and coconut wax candles.
The Environmental Drawbacks of Paraffin Wax Candles
Many mainstream candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum. While these candles are readily available and cost-effective, they come with several environmental concerns that are worth noting:
Non-Renewable Resource
Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Extracting and processing petroleum has a significant environmental impact, contributing to habitat destruction, oil spills, and pollution.
Indoor Air Pollution
When burned, paraffin candles release harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene, both of which are known to be carcinogenic. These chemicals contribute to indoor air pollution, which can be harmful, especially in poorly ventilated areas. The soot produced by paraffin candles can leave residue on walls, furniture, and even in your lungs over time.
Carbon Emissions
Burning paraffin candles emits more CO2 and soot compared to eco-friendly alternatives. The use of paraffin adds to our carbon footprint, as it is derived from fossil fuels.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Paraffin Candles
Luckily, there are sustainable alternatives to paraffin that offer a lower environmental impact without sacrificing quality or fragrance. Here's a closer look at some of the most popular options.
Soy Wax Candles
Soy candles are made from soybeans, a renewable and biodegradable resource, making them a much more eco-friendly choice compared to paraffin. Here’s why they’re a great option:
- Renewable Resource: Soy is a crop that can be replenished, and soy wax is biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice.
- Cleaner Burn: Soy candles burn longer and produce less soot and smoke, reducing the amount of indoor air pollution.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Since soybeans can be grown and harvested repeatedly, soy candles contribute far less to global carbon emissions than paraffin candles.
At Oddly Brewed, all of our candles are made from 100% organic soy wax, ensuring a clean, eco-friendly burn every time. The soy beans for our wax is grown and made into wax right here in the USA!
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is another natural alternative with unique benefits:
- Natural Air Purifier: Beeswax candles actually release negative ions when burned, which help neutralize pollutants in the air, making them a natural air purifier.
- Long Burn Time: Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than paraffin, with little to no soot.
- Renewable and Biodegradable: Beeswax is a renewable resource and breaks down naturally, making it another sustainable option.
We're currently in touch with a local honey farm that can harvest wax for us and with the addition of essential oils, we can make a unique homemade alternative to regular candles.
However, if you’re living a vegan lifestyle, beeswax might not be suitable for you.
Coconut Wax Candles
Coconut wax is becoming increasingly popular due to its clean burn and sustainable sourcing:
- Eco-Friendly Farming: Coconut trees require minimal water and pesticides, making them a highly sustainable crop.
- Longer Burn Time: Like soy and beeswax, coconut wax has a longer burn time than paraffin, meaning fewer candles are needed over time, reducing overall consumption.
- Low Environmental Impact: Coconut wax burns cleanly and holds fragrance well, offering an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers.
Beyond the Wax: Wicks and Fragrance
The environmental impact of a candle doesn’t stop at the wax. The wick and fragrance used in candles also play an important role.
Wicks
Look for candles that use cotton or wooden wicks. Some paraffin candles still use metal-core wicks that can contain harmful metals like lead, which release toxins when burned. Cotton and wood wicks, on the other hand, are much cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
Fragrance
Many candles use synthetic fragrances that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. To minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals, choose candles scented with phthalate-free fragrance oils or essential oils, which are safer for you and the environment.
Sustainable Packaging: Less Waste, More Reuse
It’s not just the candle itself that affects the environment—the packaging matters, too. Excessive plastic and non-recyclable materials contribute to waste. Here are some eco-friendly packaging options to look for:
- Reusable Jars and Tins: Choose candles in glass jars or metal tins that can be reused or repurposed. These containers can be cleaned and used for storage or even refilled with new wax.
- Minimal Packaging: Look for brands that prioritize minimalist packaging, using recyclable or biodegradable materials to reduce waste.
At Oddly Brewed, we take pride in using reusable glass jars and biodegradable packaging materials, making our candles not only eco-friendly but also stylish and sustainable.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Candle Choices
Here are a few tips to help you select environmentally responsible candles:
- Choose Sustainable Wax: Opt for candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, which have a lower environmental impact than paraffin.
- Check for Non-Toxic Ingredients: Ensure that the candle is made with phthalate-free fragrances and natural wicks, such as cotton or wood.
- Look for Eco-Friendly Packaging: Prioritize candles that come in reusable or recyclable containers to minimize waste.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Oddly Brewed, we are passionate about creating candles that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. All of our candles are hand-poured in small batches using 100% organic soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance oils. Our eco-friendly packaging ensures that you can enjoy our candles with peace of mind, knowing you’re making a choice that’s better for the environment.
Candles can have a surprising environmental impact, but by choosing eco-friendly options like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, you can reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a cleaner burn. With small changes like choosing non-toxic wicks and natural fragrances, you can enjoy the soothing ambiance of candles while making more sustainable choices. The next time you're shopping for candles, look for those that are made with renewable resources and minimal packaging to help reduce your impact on the planet.
Ready to make the switch? Browse our collection of eco-friendly, hand-poured candles here.
