Zulu's championing the cause for natural Soy Candles – the answer is clear

September 14, 2008 · → 2 Comments - Make a Comment

This is my story about discovering the benefits of candles made from natural soy.

I was given a beautiful candle at the beginning of the year which I loved! The fragrance was divine – and I loved burning it in my office. Toward the end of the candle – I noticed that the container was getting sooty.

Well take a look at this……..this is how the candle glass ended up! What is the deal with this soot?? PARAFFIN is what! Should we be concerned about burning paraffin candles?

My friend Jill has been making candles made of Soy and she gave me one as a gift recently. I decided to find out more about the differences between paraffin and soy – and here’s what I’m sharing with you today.

Once you read what’s below – you’ll see the benefits of using Soy wax candles are obvious and I for one am a convert!

Why are candles made of Paraffin BAD?

  • Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product that is classified as a petrochemical.
  • Paraffin contains 11 different toxins, two of which are KNOWN carcinogens.
  • Breathing in the soot released by paraffin is as dangerous as inhaling second-hand smoke.
  • Burning paraffin wax emits harmful vabours, and black soot.
  • To release fragrances, paraffin must be blended with chemicals.
  • If you spill paraffin wax it is extremely difficult to remove from fabric.

Why are candles made from Soy better for your health and environment?

Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil- a vegetable. Here are some facts about the candles that Jill makes.

  • Candles made from Soy are 100% all natural, biodegradable and completely non-toxic.
  • Soy wax burns cleaner and cooler and completely away.
  • Soy wax is toxin and carcinogen free.
  • Candles made from soy burn up to 50% longer than paraffin-based candles and produce 90% less soot.
  • Soy wax burns cooler, which disperses the aroma more quickly. Even when unlit, a soy candle’s fragrance is evident.
  • Soy wax is also water soluble and biodegradable, so with some warm soapy water it’s very easy to clean up if there are spillages.
  • Using candles made from soy wax supports our farmers.

Which would you rather experience, burning paraffin or lighting Soy candles?

I know it’s fairly cheap to buy pretty candles or bags of tealights for cheap from discount stores – but when I think about what exactly I’m burning into the environment when I burn paraffin wax – it’s usually in an enclosed space and I shudder at the thought of toxifying my environment – regardless of the prettiness or the nice smells!

Stay tuned for Zulu’s next step in the war against paraffin and campaign for candles made from 100% natural soy wax.

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2 Responses to “Zulu's championing the cause for natural Soy Candles – the answer is clear”

  1. Trevor on September 15th, 2008 11:19 am

    As always Sue, you’ve hit on our consciences and made us all think. :-)

    All we need to know is where to get Jill’s candles and I’ll be able to combine ambience with social responsibility asap. :-) )

    Trev.

  2. Boody on September 21st, 2008 11:13 pm

    I love the photos you’ve added to your blog. The two different expressions showing how you feel about each candle.

    P.S What about bees wax candles?

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