New Year’s Revolution ~ Candle Challenge (December)

A Note to Those Who Have Come Along for the Whole Year

It’s hard to believe that we are here—a whole year of taking concrete steps towards cultivating a healthier home environment through our New Year’s Revolution Challenge. We are so glad you joined us for this journey. It is our hope that the twelve swaps we suggested, however small, are helping to reduce the number of harmful substances in your living space. Our intention is to do the best we can right now, while striving to continue to do better when it is possible. Every seemingly small decision gives you the opportunity to align yourself with your commitment to healthy living!

If you missed any of our earlier swaps, you can learn more about our New Year’s Revolution series by skipping to the bottom of the article for a full list of each month’s swap. While we started in January of 2020, you can take on any of these swaps at any time and in any order.

Without further ado, let’s introduce our last swap of the year.

December New Year’s Revolution ~ Candles

Shorter days and colder weather call for some cozy creature comforts. These days have us in the mood to cook lots of soups, put on our favorite slippers, and light all the candles. With their warm light and relaxing flame, it would be hard to argue with the comfort that this little light can bring. But have you ever wondered what other things a conventional candle might bring into your home? If you’re looking for a candle to burn this winter, join us as we dive into the details on how to select healthier options.

Want to skip the nitty-gritty and go straight to safer solutions? Skip to What to Look for When Shopping for Safer Options.

Ingredients of Concern Commonly Found in Conventional Candles

Fragrance – Fragrance is a blanket term for what can be many different undisclosed natural substances or synthetic chemicals. The primary concern with fragrance is due to a loophole in regulations that permit the non-disclosure of fragrance ingredients under the guise of trade secrets. Common fragrance ingredients are known endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and developmental toxins. Phthalates are an example of common fragrance ingredients that are linked to endocrine disruption, asthma, breast cancer.

Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde can be released into the air by burning conventional candles. Formaldehyde has been linked to cancer, short-term impacts like irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as allergic skin reactions and skin rashes.

Acetaldehyde – Like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde can be  released into the air when burning a conventional candle. This chemical is categorized as a probable human carcinogen and can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Paraffin Wax – Paraffin wax is a petroleum-derived substance that makes up the wax portion of most conventional candles. Paraffin-containing candles are believed to release toxic chemicals such as benzene, a known carcinogen, and toluene, a substance implicated in developmental and reproductive toxicity.  

What to Look for When Shopping for Safer Options
  • Look for coconut, beeswax, or 100% non-GMO soy candles.
  • Buy candles made with 100% cotton or wood wicks. If you go with cotton, look for organic.
  • If fragranced, shop for candles made with 100% whole essential oils instead of mysterious “fragrance” concoctions. Be aware that natural essential oils will not imbue an entire home in strong scent in the same way that candles with synthetic fragrances will.
MADE SAFE® Certified Solutions
Candles

MADE SAFE® certified candles from Fontana Candle Company include:

  • Cinnamon Orange Clove
  • Citrus Peel & Pine
  • Fraser Fir
  • French Press Coffee
  • Fresh Mint & Lime
  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Lemon Blossom
  • Patchouli Cedarwood
  • Peppermint Twist
  • Pink Grapefruit
  • Spiced Latte
  • Wildflower Citrus[/left]

Shop for MADE SAFE certified candles from Fontana Candle Company here.

Looking for other nontoxic swaps? Check out our other posts and join the Revolution!
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