Light Up Your Home Sustainably with Environmentally Friendly Candles

Candles can transform any space with their warm glow and soothing ambiance. But did you know that many traditional candles can be harmful to both your health and the environment? That’s where environmentally friendly candles come in. These sustainable alternatives allow you to enjoy all the benefits of candles without the downsides. 

In this post, we’ll explore why choosing eco-friendly candles is a smart choice, the different types available, and how you can even make your own. 

Let’s dive into the world of environmentally friendly candles and light up your home sustainably!

Why make the switch to environmentally friendly candles? It’s simple. Traditional candles often use paraffin wax. When burned, these candles release harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene into the air. These chemicals can contribute to air pollution..

Eco-friendly candles, on the other hand, use natural, renewable materials that burn cleaner and safer. They’re better for the environment. By choosing environmentally friendly candles, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and creating a healthier home environment.

What makes eco-friendly candles different? It all comes down to the materials. Natural waxes like soy, beeswax, and coconut are key players in the world of sustainable candles.

Soy wax is made from soybean oil. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and burns cleanly, producing less soot compared to paraffin wax. In fact, soy wax candles can last up to 50% longer than their paraffin counterparts, which is great for both your wallet and the planet.

Beeswax is another fantastic option. It’s a natural byproduct of honey production and has air-purifying qualities. When burned, beeswax candles release negative ions that can help remove dust and allergens from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment.

Coconut wax is a newer, eco-friendly choice. It burns smoothly and evenly, and holds fragrances beautifully. Like soy and beeswax, coconut wax is renewable and biodegradable, making it a strong contender in the sustainable candle market.

So, by choosing candles made from these natural materials, you’re not only enjoying a cleaner burn but also supporting environmentally friendly practices.

The magic of eco-friendly candles lies in their ingredients. 

Let’s break down why sustainable candle materials make such a difference:

1. Natural and Renewable: Eco-friendly candles use natural waxes like soy, beeswax, and coconut. These materials are renewable because they come from plants or natural resources that can be replenished. Unlike paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, these options don’t deplete finite resources.

2. Cleaner Burning: Natural waxes burn much cleaner than paraffin. For example, soy wax, derived from soybeans, burns more evenly and generates less smoke compared to paraffin wax.

3. Longer Burn Time: Sustainable waxes generally offer a longer burn time. Soy wax candles, for instance, can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles. This not only means you get more use out of each candle but also reduces the frequency of replacements.

4. Healthier Indoor Air: By burning cleaner, natural wax candles help improve indoor air quality. They release fewer toxins and pollutants into the air, making your home a healthier place to breathe.

When choosing eco-friendly candles, you have several great options, each with its own benefits:

1. Soy Candles: Made from soybean oil, soy candles are celebrated for their clean burn and long-lasting performance. They’re easy to find, budget-friendly, and offer a steady, even flame. Plus, they produce less soot than traditional paraffin candles, making them a popular choice for a healthier home.

2. Beeswax Candles: These candles come with a natural honey scent and are known for their air-purifying qualities. Beeswax candles release negative ions that can help remove airborne pollutants. They burn slowly, providing a bright and consistent flame, which makes them a favorite among those seeking both ambiance and air quality benefits.

3. Coconut Wax Candles: Coconut wax is a newer player in the candle market but is quickly gaining popularity. These candles are praised for their smooth, even burn and exceptional fragrance retention. They’re a great choice if you want a candle that burns cleanly and fills your space with long-lasting scent.

4. Other Natural Waxes: You might also come across candles made from palm wax or rapeseed wax. Each type has its own unique properties, such as sustainable sourcing or specific burning traits. These options provide even more ways to enjoy eco-friendly candlelight while supporting sustainable practices.

Finding a genuinely eco-friendly candle can be tricky, as not all products labeled “eco-friendly” live up to their claims. Here’s how to make sure you’re picking a truly sustainable option:

1. Check the Ingredients: Look for candles made from 100% natural waxes such as soy, beeswax, or coconut. Avoid candles with synthetic additives or paraffin wax, which can emit harmful chemicals when burned.

2. Look for Certifications: Certifications can help verify a product’s eco-friendliness. Look for labels like USDA Organic, Fair Trade, or other sustainability certifications. These ensure that the candles meet specific environmental and ethical standards.

3. Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide insights into a candle’s burn quality and overall environmental impact. Check what others are saying about the candle’s performance and whether it truly lives up to its eco-friendly claims.

Here are ten top brands that offer eco-friendly candles. Each one has its unique benefits:

Paddywax makes stylish candles from 100% soy wax. Their candles burn cleanly with minimal soot. They use natural fragrances and come in reusable containers. They’re perfect for anyone who loves both style and sustainability.

Bee’s Wrap offers 100% beeswax candles. They have a natural honey scent and burn slowly. Beeswax candles also release negative ions that can purify the air. They’re a great choice for a clean burn and a pleasant aroma.

Eco Candle Co. hand-pours candles from soy wax and essential oils. Their candles burn cleanly and come in a range of pleasant scents. They also use minimalistic, recyclable packaging. They’re perfect for those who value both luxury and eco-friendliness.

Natura Soylights provides a variety of soy candles. Their candles burn cleanly and last a long time. They offer different scents to match any mood. Their packaging is eco-friendly, making them a great choice for sustainable living.

Brooklyn Candle Studio creates candles from natural soy wax and essential oils. Their candles burn cleanly and are hand-poured in small batches. They use sustainable materials for packaging. They’re ideal for anyone who values quality and sustainability.

Big Dipper Wax Works makes beeswax candles with natural cotton wicks. Their candles burn brightly and last long. They have a natural honey scent and are ethically sourced. They’re a great option for a steady, clean burn.

GoodLight offers palm wax candles certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Their candles burn cleanly with minimal soot. They focus on using sustainable palm wax. They’re a good choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Pure Plant Home uses plant-based waxes and non-toxic fragrances. Their candles burn cleanly and are free from synthetic chemicals. They also use recyclable packaging. They’re perfect for those who want natural and safe candles.

Fontana Candle Co. combines beeswax and coconut wax in their candles. They use essential oils for fragrance. Their candles burn evenly and have minimal soot. They’re a great choice for those who want a clean burn and lovely scent.

Grow Fragrance makes soy-based candles with plant-based fragrances. Their candles offer a clean, long-lasting burn. They use recyclable packaging and focus on sustainability. They’re ideal for anyone who wants eco-friendly and high-quality candles.

Making your own eco-friendly candles is both fun and rewarding. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Gather Materials: You’ll need natural wax (soy, beeswax, or coconut), wicks, a double boiler, and essential oils for fragrance. 

2. Melt the Wax: Use a double boiler to melt the wax slowly. This method helps prevent the wax from getting too hot and ensures an even melt.

3. Add Fragrance: Once the wax is melted, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Stir well 

4. Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the melted wax into molds or jars. Make sure the wick is centered and upright. You can use a pencil or stick to keep the wick in place as the wax sets.

5. Let Cool: Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before using them. 

When choosing between traditional and eco-friendly candles, several factors come into play, including cost and benefits:

• Often cheaper upfront due to the widespread availability of paraffin wax.
• However, may burn faster, requiring more frequent replacements.
• Higher long-term costs due to potential health and environmental impacts.

• Initial cost might be higher due to premium natural ingredients like soy or beeswax.
• Burn more slowly and efficiently, lasting longer than traditional candles.
• Potential cost savings over time due to reduced replacement frequency and better burn efficiency.

• Widely available and come in a variety of scents and designs.
• Immediate ambiance but may emit harmful toxins like benzene and toluene.
• Higher environmental impact due to non-renewable paraffin wax sourcing.

• Made from natural, renewable resources like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax.
• Burn cleaner with less soot and toxins, improving indoor air quality.
• Often come with natural scents from essential oils, offering a healthier alternative.

To enjoy your eco-friendly candles safely and effectively, follow these simple tips:

1. Trim the Wick: Keep wicks trimmed to about 1/4 inch to prevent excessive soot and ensure an even burn.

2. Burn Time: Avoid burning candles for more than 4 hours at a time. This helps prolong the candle’s lifespan and prevents overheating.

3. Proper Storage: Store candles in a cool, dark place. This maintains their quality and helps prevent them from melting or becoming damaged.

4. Ventilation: Make sure the room where you burn candles is well-ventilated. Proper airflow helps avoid smoke buildup and ensures you enjoy the fragrance without any discomfort.

Switching to environmentally friendly candles is a small change that can make a big difference. By choosing candles made from natural, sustainable materials, you’re supporting a healthier environment and creating a safer home. So, the next time you want to set the mood with some candlelight, opt for an eco-friendly choice and enjoy the glow guilt-free.