How to Go Green with Candles

Candles bring a sense of harmony and tranquility, add warmth and beauty, inspire romance and relaxation in our lives. However, conventional candles can also bring pollutants, chemicals, toxic fumes, and carcinogens that are harmful to our health and the health of our planet. By replacing traditional candles with eco-friendly, natural, organic candles you can protect your health and the health of your family members as well as help keep the environment clean.

The first step is to discontinue the use of traditional candles that contain paraffin, which is a leftover byproduct from the petroleum refining process and is not a renewable resource. Paraffin-based candles emit harmful toxins into the air, produce black soot, cause pollution, and may cause health problems.

So, exactly what kind of health problems and illnesses could be caused by harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients that are used in traditional, paraffin-based candles? According to numerous research studies (one of them published by the American Chemical Society) hazardous chemicals and ingredients found in traditional paraffin candles could contribute to serious health problems such as the risk of developing cancer, asthma, respiratory irritation, birth defects, severe allergies, and even brain damage. The Ameican Chemical Society report advised that paraffin-based candles produced chemicals that are harmful and potentially carcinogenic.

Choose soy, beeswax, palm wax or vegetable wax candles for a healthier, eco-friendly alternative to conventional candles. These types of candles are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, sustainable, and renewable. They do not produce large amounts of thick black soot, burn longer, and offer a much cleaner, greener alternative to traditional candles. Organic non-toxic candles would reduce and eliminate serious health risks.

If you like aromatherapy candles, consider purchasing scented candles that use only 100% pure, undiluted essential oils. Traditional candles utilize chemical or synthetic fragrances which contain toxic materials and could be harmful to the environment and your health when burned. We have the power to make our choices consciously and choose wisely to ensure we do what is best for our health and the health of our planet.

Look for candles that come without any packaging or utilize earth-friendly packaging that is made from recycled paper and is 100% recyclable.An important factor in choosing an eco-friendly candle is also candle’s wick. Always look for candles with wicks made of cotton, paper or hemp and make sure wicks are chemical-free and lead-free, which are much healthier for you and cleaner for the environment.