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Soy vs. Paraffin
Why choose soy candles?

As we face the reality of climate change many individuals have made the decision to adopt a greener lifestyle. There are indeed many ways that humans can be more environmentally friendly. Even the smallest actions can make a positive impact on the planet. Whether it is recycling or replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), people are beginning to take small steps towards going green. For those of us who enjoy the warm glow of candles and the wonderful fragrance they throw, soy candles are a green alternative to burning the traditional paraffin wax candles.

History of Soy

Soy candles are a relatively new invention. In 1991, a man by the name of Michael Richards, developed soy wax. Richards saw that there was a demand for natural wax candles, however beeswax was 10 times more expensive than paraffin which is a by-product of crude oil. Richard tested different natural plant waxes and finally ended up with a vegetable wax which was made with partially hydrogenated soy oil, coconut oil and palm oil. He blended this vegetable wax with beeswax for an economical natural wax candle.

The Body Shop, a national retail store, was the first commercial entity to sell soy candles. These candles were a mixture of beeswax and almond oil. Eventually the beeswax was replaced by soy wax. In 1996, Richard found a way to completely eliminate the beeswax from the candles. Thus, became the soy candle. He mixed different formulas of the soy wax for container candles and free standing candles, also known as pillar candles. The pillar candles are frequently a blend of soy wax along with palm wax, which is considerably harder than soy wax. In 2001, Cargill headquartered in Minnesota, an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services, purchased Richard's patent of soy wax. They now manufacture soybean wax and supply it to soy wax candle producers (www.soya.be/soy-wax-history.php).

Why Soy Candles are Environmentally Friendly

Soy candles have become very popular among environmentally conscious consumers because they are not a by-product of oil refining. They are made from soy beans which are a renewable resource. Paraffin wax is produced by refining or separating the waxes out of crude oil which is a limited resource. However, manufactures of paraffin wax argue that by using the wax by-product, it is not being wasted which adds an economic benefit.

Soy Wax is Biodegradable and Cleans up with Soap and Water

Many of you might recognize the soy bean as edamame beans. Since they are a vegetable, the wax is naturally biodegradable. When you have some wax left over in the jar after burning your candle, you can easily clean up the wax with soap and water and recycle the jar. Paraffin wax cannot be cleaned up with soap and water.

Soy Candles Burn Cleaner

Soy candles generally burn cleaner, produce less soot than paraffin candles and thus do not emit as much CO2 into the atmosphere. You should find that your walls will not be discolored by petroleum by-products and they are also less likely to cause allergies. If your soy candle produces some soot, it may be because your soy candle is a blend of soy and paraffin. However, it is worth noting that there are some forms of paraffin that are highly refined and do not release as much soot or pollutants into the atmosphere.

Another reason your soy candle may be producing soot is because the wick is made of zinc. Although a zinc wick is non-toxic, it will produce more soot than cotton or hemp wicks. Some of the cheap paraffin candles are made with a lead wick. Exposure to the lead emitted by these candles can pose a threat to those with a weakened immune system, including the elderly and children (http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative/02/01/scented.candles.wmd/index.html).

Lead core wicks were discontinued and have not been manufactured in the United States for several years. However, candles made with lead wicks are still allowed to be imported from other countries and are being sold in stores across America. When purchasing your soy candle, make sure you know exactly what your candle is made of and do not buy a candle with a metal wire inside the wick.

A Soy Candle Purchase Helps the US Economy

Others argue that the best benefit of buying a soy candle is that it supports American farmers. Because the soy bean is grown and processed in the United States, your purchase stimulates the US economy.

Soy Candles Last Longer than Paraffin Candles

Although, you might pay a little extra more for a soy candle, you will find it to be a better bargain than a paraffin candle. Because soy wax is oil based, it burns slower and at a lower temperature, which helps the fragrance distribute better. Soy wax candles generally last 30% to 50% longer than a paraffin candle.

Green Living Tips Article on Soy Candles