How Green Is That Candle?

Getting ready for a holiday party or other special occasion? Don’t spoil it by using paraffin wax candles. Made from the byproducts of crude oil, paraffin wax releases harmful toxins and soot when burned. Setting the mood gets a whole lot greener with these eco-friendly candle options:

Soy: These candles are soot-free and can burn 50% longer than paraffin varieties. Choosing organic and GMO-free will boost your candles’ green factor. Downsides: They do not carry scent as well as other types and the wax is so soft they have to come in a container
so no birthday or menorah soy candles.

Beeswax: 100% pure beeswax candles last long, smell great and release air-cleaning negative ions. Beeswax candles are also allergy-free and come in a variety of natural colors. And when your candle has reached its end, use the leftovers to make lip balm, hand cream or add it to another candle!

Palm Wax: Palm oil comes from the inside of coconuts so it can be extracted without harming the trees. Palm wax is also fully biodegradable, but as with soy candles, look for GMO-free.

LED “Candles”: If you’re looking for a candle that surely won’t release toxins or trigger allergic reactions, try the LED flameless candle. They’re particularly great for outdoor lighting in windy weather, for luminarias and around children. LED candles can be rechargeable and even remote-controlled!