{"id":9604,"date":"2022-04-05T13:31:11","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T12:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenerlyfe.com\/?p=9604"},"modified":"2023-11-29T13:24:25","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T13:24:25","slug":"are-soy-candles-bad-for-the-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/blog\/are-soy-candles-bad-for-the-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Soy Candles Bad for the Environment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Recently I realised I needed to buy some more candles, I&#8217;ve even been looking into making my own soy candles and whilst doing some research I started to wonder, are soy candles bad for the environment? In summary, this is what I found out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As a general rule soy candles are much less harmful to the environment than other candle types such as paraffin which tends to release more soot. A candle made from 100% soy wax with a natural wick and scented with essential oils is one of the most eco-friendly candles you can buy today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s get further into the detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Environmental Concerns Should We Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When we think about candles and environmental concerns ultimately we need to think about 4 main things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>What the product is made from<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the product and its ingredients are made<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the product is packaged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the product is used or consumed<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Soy Candles Made From?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Natural soy candles are made from soy wax, a natural ingredient made from soybeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the wax itself all candles, whether they are soy or not, require a wick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Optional ingredients include dyes and fragrances such as essential oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Handmade soy candles often come in glass jars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is Soy Wax Made?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which is extracted from soybeans and then refined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The refined soybean oil is then heated to a high temperature until it becomes a liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the liquid has cooled, the wax can be separated from the oil through filters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How sustainable is soybean farming?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Soybeans are one of the most important crops in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are grown in many different countries depending on the climate and the available resources and they can be used in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soybean farming is a high environmental and sustainable form of agriculture. However, as with any large-scale crop production, we need to be careful that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/threats\/deforestation-and-forest-degradation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deforestation<\/a> is not happening during production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Candle Wicks Made From?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Candle wicks are made from a variety of materials including cotton, paper, metal or wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The type of material that is used will depend on the specific candle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common type of candle wick is cotton. This material is often used because it is inexpensive and easy to find. It can also be easily cut with a pair of scissors. However, the downside to using cotton is that it burns quickly and unevenly which can lead to sooty or charred candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For environmental reasons, you must avoid candles that have a metal or lead wick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candles that are most environmentally friendly have wicks that are made from sustainable cotton, wood or hemp so look out for these materials on the candles&#8217; ingredients list.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<section class=\"section dark\" id=\"section_446224947\">\n\t\t<div class=\"bg section-bg fill bg-fill bg-loaded bg-loaded\" >\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row row-collapse align-center\"  id=\"row-2062518562\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-165457565\" class=\"col medium-10 small-12 large-8\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t<div id=\"text-3656719793\" class=\"text\">\n\t\t\n\n<h4><strong>Join Our FREE 7-Day \"Journey to Zero Waste\" Email Course <\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Our 7-Day \"Journey to Zero Waste\" email course helps you take the first steps towards a greener lifestyle. Each day, you\u2019ll get easy, actionable tips right in your inbox.<\/p>\n<p>You'll also receive our <strong>FREE<\/strong> guide, <strong>\"53 Eco-Friendly Swaps That You Can Start Today.\"<\/strong> where you can discover simple changes that make a big environmental impact!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 100%;\">We'll also add you to our mailing list where you'll receive awesome offers, tips and advice only available to our customers and subscribers<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\n<style>\n#text-3656719793 {\n  text-align: left;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-165457565 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 0px 20px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1212968960\" class=\"col medium-10 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner text-left\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p>For <span class=\"fancy-underline\">Instant Access<\/span> complete the form below<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f16871-o1\" lang=\"en-GB\" dir=\"ltr\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9604#wpcf7-f16871-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<div style=\"display: none;\">\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"16871\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"5.9.3\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f16871-o1\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_recaptcha_response\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block_blog_form_button\">\n\t<p><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"your-email\"><input size=\"40\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-email wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-email\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Your Email (required)\" value=\"\" type=\"email\" name=\"your-email\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n\t<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" value=\"newsletter\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"your-source\" \/><br \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"JOIN FREE TODAY!\" \/>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_446224947 {\n  padding-top: 30px;\n  padding-bottom: 30px;\n  margin-bottom: 30px;\n  background-color: #273647;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How are Soy Candles Packaged?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Handmade soy candles are usually packaged in either tin or glass jars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glass jars are recyclable and are widely accepted by your local recycling centre or bottle bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recycling process for glass can be more complex than other materials because it is more difficult to separate the different types of glass however the key point here is that there is no waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candle tins are becoming more and more popular among candle makers. Aesthetically they&#8217;re a great way to package candles but there are some environmental benefits to using this material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly metal is widely recyclable and many candle makers use the recycled metal tin to showcase their products. In addition to being recycled, candle tins are generally lighter than glass jars so whilst you may not see the difference in shipping weight when travelling back from your local candle store the manufacturers that are moving hundreds if not thousands of products a month will absolutely see the economic and environmental benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Eco Friendly are Soy Candles When Burnt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because candles made from 100% soy contain natural ingredients they are much more environmentally friendly than other candles such as those made from paraffin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So whilst burning anything is not ideal for our health or our environment soy candles emit much less soot and no toxic fumes when burnt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One other clear advantage of soy candles is that they have a very low melting point making them burn for much longer than traditional candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Different are Soy Candles Compared to Paraffin Candles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A paraffin candle is a type of candle that is made from paraffin wax and a wick, which has been dipped in the melted wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though they have become less popular, some people still light these candles for the ambience and scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, burning these candles produces some toxic chemicals including soot, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other pollutants in these candles include microscopic soot particles, carbon monoxide, ethylene oxide and benzene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of toxins produced depends on many factors such as how long the candle is lit and how large the candle is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candle smoke contains over 50% more air pollution than cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of pollutants depends on what kind of wax or wick are used to make the candles as well as elevation and temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Candle Association, which is also a non-profit organisation, both agree that consumers should avoid burning candles for several hours at a time to minimize the number of pollutants released into the air,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Yankee candles bad for the environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yankee Candle has been accused of not being environmentally friendly for several reasons. The amount of plastic used in packaging, the amount of wax that is wasted, and the amount of time that is spent burning candles to have them melt down to nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are beeswax candles bad for the environment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Beeswax candles are traditional and eco-friendly. They are made from a natural wax that has been harvested from the honeycomb of a bee hive. Beeswax candles do not contain any artificial ingredients or chemicals, making them a healthier alternative to other types of candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are soy candles safe for dogs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As soy candles are made from natural ingredients they are considered safe for dogs however there are things to consider when burning any candles around dogs. We wrote an article all about <a href=\"https:\/\/greenerlyfe.com\/blog\/are-soy-candles-safe-for-dogs-should-we-be-concerned\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Are Soy Candles Safe for Dogs<\/a> which I&#8217;d encourage you to read next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope I\u2019ve gone some way to answer the question are soy candles bad for the environment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soy candles are so much better for your health and the environment in so many ways than more traditional paraffin candles making them a great addition to any household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you\u2019re looking for a more natural candle, beeswax is an option for you. Beeswax is made from bees that collect honey from flowers and trees in their hives and then turn it into wax by using their wings and abdomens to create the honeycomb structure inside their hives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, beeswax candles are not vegan and so not for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would be great to hear from you. Have you switched to more eco-friendly soy candles? Are you keen to switch but not sure if you\u2019ll like soy or beeswax candles?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please do make time to leave me a comment below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products Featured in this Article<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n\n            \n            \n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--horizontal aawp-product--css-adjust-image-large\"  data-aawp-product-asin=\"B009HP4SMU\" data-aawp-product-id=\"2028\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"greenerlyfe-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Archipelago Soy Candle Birch 14 oz.\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"aawp-product__thumb\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B009HP4SMU?tag=greenerlyfe-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Archipelago Botanicals Birch Boxed Candle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/316ovu5hzaS.jpg\" alt=\"Archipelago Botanicals Birch Boxed Candle\"  \/>\n        <\/a>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B009HP4SMU?tag=greenerlyfe-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Archipelago Botanicals Birch Boxed Candle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            Archipelago Botanicals Birch Boxed Candle        <\/a>\n        <div class=\"aawp-product__description\">\n            <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Made with Clean Soy Wax<\/li>\n<li>90-Hour Burn Time<\/li>\n<li>5 fantastic fragrances<\/li>\n<li>Perfect for Home Decor or a Gift<\/li>\n<li>Made with lead-free cotton wicks and premium fragrance oils<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                                        <p class=\"our_rating\" style=\"background-color: green\">Our Rating: 9.6\/10<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"aawp-product__footer\">\n\n        <div class=\"aawp-product__pricing\">\n            \n            \n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/prime\/?tag=greenerlyfe-20\" title=\"Amazon Prime\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"aawp-check-prime\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/aawp\/assets\/img\/icon-check-prime.svg\" height=\"16\" width=\"55\" alt=\"Amazon Prime\" \/><\/a>        <\/div>\n\n                <a class=\"aawp-button aawp-button--buy aawp-button aawp-button--amazon aawp-button--icon aawp-button--icon-amazon-black\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B009HP4SMU?tag=greenerlyfe-20&#038;linkCode=ogi&#038;th=1&#038;psc=1\" title=\"Buy on Amazon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n\n            \n            \n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--horizontal aawp-product--css-adjust-image-large\"  data-aawp-product-asin=\"B00A8IDNBC\" data-aawp-product-id=\"1728\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"greenerlyfe-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Bluecorn Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candles | Ivory White Beeswax Candles Unscented Candles | Soy Paraffin & Fragrance Free | 3x6 90 Hour Burn Time | Handmade in Colorado\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"aawp-product__thumb\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00A8IDNBC?tag=greenerlyfe-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31rSgEBOxbL.jpg\" alt=\"Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candles\"  \/>\n        <\/a>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00A8IDNBC?tag=greenerlyfe-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\">\n            Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candles        <\/a>\n        <div class=\"aawp-product__description\">\n            <ul><li>100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candle<\/li><li>Ridiculously Long Burn Times<\/li><li>Wide Range Of 2 And 3 Inch Diameter Candles<\/li><li>Handmade, Handcrafted In Colorado Since 1991<\/li><li>Unscented Beeswax<\/li><\/ul>                                        <p class=\"our_rating\" style=\"background-color: green\">Our Rating: 8.6\/10<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"aawp-product__footer\">\n\n        <div class=\"aawp-product__pricing\">\n            \n            \n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/prime\/?tag=greenerlyfe-20\" title=\"Amazon Prime\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"aawp-check-prime\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/aawp\/assets\/img\/icon-check-prime.svg\" height=\"16\" width=\"55\" alt=\"Amazon Prime\" \/><\/a>        <\/div>\n\n                <a class=\"aawp-button aawp-button--buy aawp-button aawp-button--amazon aawp-button--icon aawp-button--icon-amazon-black\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00A8IDNBC?tag=greenerlyfe-20&#038;linkCode=ogi&#038;th=1&#038;psc=1\" title=\"Buy on Amazon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    \n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recently I realised I needed to buy some more candles, I&#8217;ve even been looking into making my own soy candles and whilst doing some research I started to wonder, are soy candles bad for the environment? In summary, this is what I found out. As a general rule soy candles are much less harmful to [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9596,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[264],"tags":[265,266,268],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9604"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9604"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9604\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17357,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9604\/revisions\/17357"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenerlyfe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}