Choosing the Type of Candle to Make: Beeswax vs Soy Candles
For the environmentally conscious, decision-making often involves weighing the environmental impact of one choice against another. When it comes to candles, the two primary options are beeswax and soy candles. Each one comes with its unique aesthetic qualities, burn time, health effects, and environmental implications.
According to this article, beeswax candles burn slower, emit a naturally sweet scent, are soot-free, and are considerably healthier than most candles due to their negative ion emission. If you’re looking to cultivate a smaller ecological footprint, beeswax trumps soy hands down. The beeswax used for candles comes directly from the hive, making it a renewable resource. In contrast, soy wax production could involve deforestation and use of harmful pesticides.
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Beeswax Candles
Going a bit deeper into the intricacies of beeswax candles, they certainly hold less environmental baggage compared to soy candles, but they have other compelling qualities too. Unlike soy, beeswax candles have a naturally sweet, honey-like scent, eliminating the need for artificial fragrance additives.
But while these candles are appealing for many, they do have some downsides. Foremost, beeswax candles are pricier due to the labor-intensive nature of beekeeping and beeswax collection. However, considering their prolonged burn time, they might still be seen as good value for the money.
Collecting Materials and Preparing Your Work Area
Making beeswax candles at home begins with having all the necessary materials and setting up your workspace. The key components include beeswax, wicks, a double-boiler for melting wax, thermometer to monitor wax temperature, molds, and of course, safety gear like gloves and apron. It’s also essential to sanitize your work area and ensure that it’s well-ventilated, since working with hot wax can create fumes.
Step by Step Guide to Making Your Beeswax Candles
Once you’ve assembled all your materials and prepared your workspace, it’s time to begin the exciting process. Start by melting the beeswax using your double-boiler setup, ensuring the wax never exceeds 185 degrees Fahrenheit. While the wax is melting, prepare your molds and wicks. Once melted, dip your wicks into the wax and stick them into your molds, ensuring they’re centered and taut.
After this, pour the melted wax into the molds, and allow them to cool for over 24 hours before removing the candles from the molds. Viola! You’ve made your own beeswax candle at home.
Exploring Pre-made Beeswax Candle Options
For those interested in the benefits of beeswax candles but not quite ready to venture into making them, fret not. There are several excellent pre-made options available for purchase. This article provides a curated list and brief reviews of the best beeswax candles to buy in 2023. Choosing beeswax over soy, whether making your own or buying premade, certifies you’re playing a part in protecting our environment.
