Buying local is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. That’s why I’m always excited to discover stores that promote local designers. For example, Luxe, Face, and Body in Hoboken carries a large selection of natural and organic beauty products in addition to gift items like candles. The store promotes the philosophy that natural ingredients used in skincare are essential to a healthy lifestyle. And the same is true for the air you breathe at home.
Lighting candles is a great holiday tradition, and soy-based candles are a green alternative to petroleum-based products.
The environmental benefits of soy are numerous. Soy wax is made from the oil of soybeans, which are a renewable resource. You might have seen that soy candles don’t produce the black soot associated with petroleum-based candles that produce carcinogens when burnt. In addition, they burn more slowly since soybean oil has a lower melting point.
When shopping for the healthiest candles, in addition to soy-based waxes, look for lead-free cotton wicks and phthalate-free fragrances. You can find them in scents that range from botanical to holiday: vanilla bean, citrus, bourbon, eggnog, gingerbread, and candy cane scents. I purchased a soy-based candle by Warmth Soy Candle Co. in anticipation of the holiday season. The founders of Warmth Soy Candle Co. researched and experimented with various waxes when they first started their home-based business. Fortunately, they had the most success with soy and loved the fact that it is sustainable and sourced right here in the U.S.
If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer you might want to check out a beautifully scented two-ounce candle. They are often available individually or in a set of three to six candles. Since burning my Warmth candle at home I have noticed how cleanly it burns with a sweet and pleasant smell. It really turns a house into a home especially for the upcoming holidays.
