Soy Candles vs. Paraffin Candles. Why Is Soy The Way To Go?

I have noticed in my life a great sensitivity I have to paraffin candles mixed with strong perfume fragrances. I love candles so much. I have been burning them for years in my apartments or homes I have lived in. At a younger age I never new what I was burning. I just loved candles. I noticed the black that came off the wicks that sometimes left a dark spot on the walls. Sometimes I would feel congested and would also sneeze a lot when breathing in the perfume scents and soot burning off the wick. I know I didn't know better as when you love a product you just keep on with it. I realize that you can have the things you love in better and healthier ways and of course, in some research later on I found out about lead wicks and the harm in burning paraffin in our home environments.

I now only support using or making bees wax and soy candles combined with eco-burning cotton wicks and either pure essential oils or infused essential oils. What a difference it is for my environment. It is a crisper, cleaner smell, not overbearing in my home, and I know it is burning clean and not polluting my air. I like knowing my husband and daughter are not breathing in harmful toxins into their body or our animal family as well. It is good energy all around. If I do happen to be around a paraffin candle now with strong perfumes I am almost sickened by it as I am detoxed from having them in my home. It is amazing how your body reacts when you change things in the environment around you.

When I started Full Circle Candles I knew I would only make candles out of soy or beeswax...no paraffin would pass my hands. I want to so lessen my dependency on petroleum based products. One of my 2012 resolutions is to really begin to live a more sustainable way and that means supporting and creating products that are less harmful for this beautiful planet we live on. I want to practice this in my own business so I know I am taking care of the people that buy my candles. Little steps in learning help me to create a better environment and to help me step more and more away from unsustainable practices. I have a long way to go, but this little step of using Soy over Paraffin is a lovely beginning to the story.

Below is a little bit of facts on Soy vs. Paraffin and you decide on what you want to have in your home and what you actually support when buying paraffin based candles. And remember, support local, small businesses when you can!!! Farmers Markets too! We can make a difference and help each other! Go to Full Circle Candles to check out some wonderful, healthy candles to burn. And So It Is!

SOY VS. PARAFFIN 

SOY

• Soy wax is made from soybeans and vegetables, both renewable resources.
• Soy wax burns much cleaner and purer as it is all natural, non-toxic, and non-hazardous.
• This wax is biodegradable leading to reduced landfills.
• Soy wax residue can be washed away with warm water and soap. (it is so easy to clean!!)
• Purchasing soy products supports the soy farmers of America, which stimulates our economy and lessens dependence on international resources.

PARAFFIN

• Derived from petroleum, a limited resource
• The burning of paraffin wax contributes to indoor air contamination by emitting petro-chemicals causing soot deposits and carcinogenic particulate matter.
• This wax contains petroleum by-products and additives that inhibit biodegradability.
• Paraffin wax residue is quite troublesome, often impossible, to remove.
• Purchasing paraffin products not only supports our dependence on this crude oil but also supports an industry riddled with environmental faux pas.