by Katy Green
shoptobegreen.com
There are many articles about candles and the romance that ensues because of their luminous glow. Candles evoke a primal mysticism and conjures up all types of thoughts... mostly affairs of the heart.
Maybe you are not familiar with the origin of the candle?Well, let's learn something that we can share at our next social gathering..shall we?
Candles have been in use for thousands of years and it seems no one knows when the first candle was created. The original use was for the obvious - to shed light because electricity was not invented as yet.
According to craftcave.com:
Scented candles made mostly of paraffin have been the rage over the last two decades but according to the American Chemical Society paraffin wax emits toluene, benzene, and a host of other toxins linked to asthma, eczema and cancer.” Benzene and toluene, which are released in the air when the paraffin is burnt, are dangerous and you should avoid inhaling them no matter what, experts agree. In addition, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that benzene and toluene are probable human carcinogens.
Of course occasional use of paraffin wax won't harm you but why not try an earth friendly candle. I am sure you don't want to risk your life for a weekly romantic dinner over candlelight.
The most important question of the day is which candle burns the longest, gives the best scents and is safest. The safety issue is still in question but according to Greenerchoices.org, Soy and beeswax are a better choice and organic soy is made from nongenetically engineered plants grown without synthetic fertilizers or harmful pesticides. Many local farmers markets sell those natural candles.
It seems that soy and beeswax burn just as long or even longer than paraffin which means the scent lasts longer. I prefer natural soy based candles but be sure to confirm that the candle is made of soy and not other artificial ingredients. Please check the ingredients and be wary of essential oils (explained in the greenerchoices article)
Au Natural
If you want your home to smell nice naturally burn a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves or orange peels. If you prefer to place the pot somewhere else bring one or all of these ingredients to a boil in a tea pot and then remove it from the stove and place it wherever you like and the scent will emit from the steam released. I encourage you to experiment and use other fruit and spice combinations.
shoptobegreen.com
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| Old Candles - Paraffin Wax |
There are many articles about candles and the romance that ensues because of their luminous glow. Candles evoke a primal mysticism and conjures up all types of thoughts... mostly affairs of the heart.
Maybe you are not familiar with the origin of the candle?Well, let's learn something that we can share at our next social gathering..shall we?
Candles have been in use for thousands of years and it seems no one knows when the first candle was created. The original use was for the obvious - to shed light because electricity was not invented as yet.
 |
| Clay Candle |
- Clay candle holders dating from the fourth century B.C. have been found in Egypt.
- Early Chinese and Japanese candles were made with wax derived from insects and seeds molded in paper tubes.
- Wax skimmed from boiling cinnamon was the basis of tapers for temple use in India.
- The first known candle in America dates to the first century A.D. Native Americans burned oily fish (candlefish) wedged into a forked stick.
- Early missionaries in the southwestern United States boiled the bark of the Cerio tree and skimmed the wax.
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| Solay Rosemary Soy Pure Candle |
Scented candles made mostly of paraffin have been the rage over the last two decades but according to the American Chemical Society paraffin wax emits toluene, benzene, and a host of other toxins linked to asthma, eczema and cancer.” Benzene and toluene, which are released in the air when the paraffin is burnt, are dangerous and you should avoid inhaling them no matter what, experts agree. In addition, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that benzene and toluene are probable human carcinogens.
Of course occasional use of paraffin wax won't harm you but why not try an earth friendly candle. I am sure you don't want to risk your life for a weekly romantic dinner over candlelight.
The most important question of the day is which candle burns the longest, gives the best scents and is safest. The safety issue is still in question but according to Greenerchoices.org, Soy and beeswax are a better choice and organic soy is made from nongenetically engineered plants grown without synthetic fertilizers or harmful pesticides. Many local farmers markets sell those natural candles.
 |
| Moroccan Tea Glass - Aqua Henna Candle |
It seems that soy and beeswax burn just as long or even longer than paraffin which means the scent lasts longer. I prefer natural soy based candles but be sure to confirm that the candle is made of soy and not other artificial ingredients. Please check the ingredients and be wary of essential oils (explained in the greenerchoices article)
 |
| Cinnamon sticks, apple and cloves |
If you want your home to smell nice naturally burn a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves or orange peels. If you prefer to place the pot somewhere else bring one or all of these ingredients to a boil in a tea pot and then remove it from the stove and place it wherever you like and the scent will emit from the steam released. I encourage you to experiment and use other fruit and spice combinations.
I absolutely love all the new soy candle options they have on the market these days, and I prefer natural beeswax tapers to the old wax ones as well. I just think they look nicer, beside burning much cleaner. I never knew paraffin candles caused cancer and such!
ReplyDeleteso true cmarten7
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