candle study....part 1

via andrewlee1967

After reading multiple articles online about how terrible parafinn candles are for the air quality in your home, out went our petroleum-based paraffin candles & the search began for healthier alternatives.

Excerpt from Snuff Out Those Paraffin Candles:
"A new study from the American Chemical Society has linked paraffin candles with possible health problems. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct. In fact, it is the last byproduct removed in the refining process, right after asphalt. The fumes released by paraffin candles are similar to the fumes emitted by burning diesel."

Excerpt from Detox Your Home: Light Petroleum-Free Candles:
"Alone, soot particles pack a boatload of carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins - but throw in some synthetic fragrances that contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, as well as chemical fixatives, synthetic glosses, and dioxin-bleached wicks with lead-based wire cores, and you've got a lethal chemical cocktail that can prove hazardous to your health."

Both soy wax and beeswax are good clean-burning alternatives. I prefer soy wax since it is also vegan.

So the search begins to find a good source for new candles. I started with Etsy, for all of the obvious reasons (handmade, supports local artists, etc.) and focused on the following criteria:
1. 100% soy wax
2. Scented using essential oils
3. Pretty packaging
4. Good selection of scents (outside of aromatherapy)
5. Selection of types (pillars, votives, etc.)

I placed orders with these adorable shops:

Part 2 to follow....product review.