Why Choose Natural Soy Candles?
© Joanna Kosinska
If you are already into mindfulness and the holistic lifestyle, chances are, you enjoy using candles to help create a peaceful mood while meditating, entertaining, or enjoying a romantic dinner with your partner. But what exactly are you breathing in when using paraffin candles instead of soy candles?
You may have always bought candles based on scent, or look; there certainly are so many options which promise to transport you to the sea, pine forest or floral bouquet of your dreams; but if you use candles regularly, now may be the perfect time to discover what you are breathing in.
The Dangers of Paraffin Wax
Breathing in smoke from paraffin candles increases the cancer risk in the case of repeated exposure.
Most store-bought candles are made of paraffin, rather than healthy, natural ingredients. As far back as 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that the smoke from paraffin candles emits harmful levels of toxins. California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, meanwhile lists up to 20 toxins in paraffin wax.
It’s not just the paraffin we have to worry about; often, store bought candles can contain harmful dyes and fragrances, or wicks containing metals like zinc, tin or lead. These days, there are natural alternatives, one of the most attractive of which, are soy candles.
Soy Candles – the Natural Choice
You can still enjoy the flickering beauty of candles, without the harmful side-effects.
Soy candles are made from soybeans rather than petroleum oil; they are renewable and biodegradable, and they help support soybean farmers. A study carried out by researchers at South Carolina State University found that, unlike paraffin, soy candles do not release harmful pollutants. Additionally, they do not produce soot, which is as unhealthy as it is unsightly.
Soy candles also burn up to 50% longer than regular candles, which makes them more cost-effective. They burn evenly, so that no wax clings to the sides of the jar.
If you thought you had to forego the delicious fragrance of candles, think again.
Soy candles can contain delicious fragrances such as cedar, vanilla, blue pine, black amber, oakmoss, and even espresso! This makes them the perfect present for someone who loves candles but values their health above all things.
The number of fragrant smelling candles behind store windows can beckon and beguile; the beauty and grace afforded by candles are simply not worth harming our health through repeated exposure. There is no need to forego either beauty, health, or fragrance; just choose natural products like soy candles, which will also provide more burning time for your buck, require no cleaning, and fill the house with irresistible fragrances from nature.
