A Clean Wax Alternative
Soy wax is a natural alternative for more sustainable candle-making, along with beeswax and coconut wax.
Although less expensive, paraffin wax candles are made using petroleum products derived from crude oil. Crude oil is a nonrenewable resource that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, destruction of habitats and pollution of our air and water. By contrast, soy wax is a biodegradable, renewable resource.
When you buy a candle off a random store shelf, do you know what’s in it? Commercial candles can sometimes contain harmful chemicals, like parabens, pthalates, and lead. As you’re burning these inside your home, you want to make sure they’re clean and additive-free.
Are Soy Candles Really Environmentally Friendly?
Soy candles are made out of hydrogenated soybean oil. They have a lower carbon footprint than candles made from petroleum products. The extent of that sustainability depends greatly on the source.
There are some potential problems with soybean farming, including destruction of natural habitats and the practice of monocropping.
Monocropping, or monoculture farming, is when only one crop is grown in the same fields year after year. This deprives the soil of certain nutrients and degrades soil health. It also increases the prevalence of disease and pests, leading to the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
Sustainable soybean cultivation focuses on soil health, crop rotation, biodiversity, water management, and other social considerations.
