There’s nothing quite like the ritual of lighting a candle to restore calm or set a rejuvenating mood. The wafting scents and flickering flame can transport you to a new space, help to re-balance or re-energize. But, as it turns out, not all candles are quite created equal.
Can Candles Be Harmful?
Candles created with cheap and chemical-heavy ingredients can pose a risk to human and environmental health. Compounds like toluene and benzene - ingredients also found in paint thinners and released when smoking cigarettes - have been identified as carcinogens. Scented candles are also known to cause skin and nasal irritation, as well as allergic and asthmatic reactions. No longer exactly what we consider relaxing.
So what can we do to mitigate exposure to dangers of burning candles while still enjoying their effects? Certain waxes like paraffin (a petroleum-based product) have been shown to release more toxins when burned than cleaner burning waxes, like soy. Cheaper waxes are also linked with formaldehyde release, another known carcinogen, when burned. These more dangerous waxes are often found in inexpensive , mass-produced candles. So while you may be tempted by that $1 candle at the dollar store, it runs a higher risk of negatively affecting your health than higher-quality candles created with cleaner-burning waxes.
A Cleaner Candle Option
Let’s get to the good news - there are candles specifically designed to burn cleaner and be safer for the environment than chemical-heavy and cheap candles! Our line of candles, created in small batches by Keystone Inspired, is made with soy wax and essential oils, so you’re not emitting or breathing in any harsh chemicals found in many other candles. They contain a cotton wick rather than metal-cored wicks (which can cause lead poisoning - ick.) And they use no artificial scents or colors, so you can truly settle in and relax knowing that all the materials that go into these candles are safe and body-friendly.
The metal tins are designed to be zero waste, so when you’re finished burning your candle you can rinse out the extra wax and recycle at your normal curbside recycling facility, or upcycle it. Pro tip: We love planting succulents in cleaned and dried candle tins!
With a variety of scents like beachy Ocean Air, rich and earthy Rainforest, and lavender-infused Harmony, you really can’t go wrong. So go ahead and treat yourself to a handcrafted, zero waste and clean-burning candle, and let your little rituals set the tone for your day!
Shop Sustainably With Us!
At Summit Sustainable Goods, all our zero waste household care and personal care products are truly environmentally friendly and contain clean, safe ingredients. No harsh contaminants here! We work with our suppliers to make sure all the products we sell are truly safe for the environment and your body - because we believe that you and mother nature both deserve the best. It’s just another way we live into our values of being as environmentally and ethically conscious as possible.
Where can you find our curated selection of high quality and sustainable products? You know we’ve got you covered! Check out our website at www.summitsustainablegoods.eco or visit us at a local pop-up around town. (Info available through our website or socials.) Want to follow our journey and learn about future zero waste events and happenings? Adventure with us by signing up for our email list or follow us on Instagram or Facebook to keep up-to-date on all things Summit.
Much love,
Carrie, Founder
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-candles-bad-for-you/
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