Beeswax is Best
The most common candles you’ll find on the market today are paraffin, soy, beeswax, and often some sort of a blend of these waxes. Here’s my argument for why beeswax is the superior choice when it come to candles.
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, aka crude oil. It is a by-product of oil refining and is used in a variety of applications, including candles. In big-candle business, paraffin wax is a popular choice because it is inexpensive however, there are concerns about the use of paraffin wax in candles. Paraffin wax is a non-renewable resource and its production contributes to air pollution. In addition to being toxic, paraffin wax is a non-renewable resource. It takes millions of years for oil to form, so once it is used, it cannot be replaced. This makes paraffin wax a poor choice for candles, as it is not sustainable and it can be harmful to your health.
Yuck! So can we all agree to never again burn/buy paraffin candles???
So we’re left with soy and beeswax. Before I make the argument to rule out soy candles, I want to address my fellow chandlers who make soy candles, I see you and I love you!! I mean no disrespect to your work, just presenting the facts as I know ‘em.
Soy is a natural product and a WAY better option to paraffin wax. There are some bomb soy candles scented by essential oils and I’m a sucker for a clean burning candle but… soy candles come in containers (waste) and they are often scented with synthetic fragrances (toxic to burn). A bit more on soy.
Soy is a popular crop in the United States, but it is not a sustainable one. In fact, soy production is a major contributor to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. One of the biggest problems with soy production is that it requires a lot of land. In the United States, soy production has led to the deforestation of millions of acres of land, including some of the most important ecosystems in the country.
Soy production also requires a lot of water. In fact, soy is one of the thirstiest crops in the world. This is a major problem in the United States, where water resources are already stressed. Soy production is a major contributor to water shortages in some parts of the country, such as California.
In addition to deforestation and water pollution, soy production also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Soy production is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane emissions from soy production contribute to climate change.
So that brings me to beeswax!!!
Beeswax is a safe and sustainable alternative to soy and paraffin waxes. Beeswax is all-natural and hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people who have allergies or are sensitive to, synthetic chemicals.
Beeswax is a sustainable, biodegradable product. It is a bi-product of the honey bee and is created to keep the honey safe in the hive. Additionally, beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer than soy/paraffin wax.
Natural honey scent so no need to add any synthetic fragrances. This makes beeswax the cleanest, most non-toxic, candle you can burn.
Beeswax candles are naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal, which can help to purify the air in your home.
Beeswax candles have a long burn time, about 30% longer than other waxes. So you can enjoy them for hours without having to worry about them going out.
For all of these reasons, beeswax is a superior choice to soy and paraffin wax for candles. If you are looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly candle, beeswax is best!
Additional Readings:
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/student-contributors-you-asked-general-science/candles-what-do-they-emit-when-lit
https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/soy
https://earth.org/soybean-products-and-its-environmental-impact/
https://allplants.com/blog/lifestyle/the-truth-about-soy-and-the-environment