Living near the Chesapeake bay and its many coastal scents really puts environmental sustainability at the forefront of our lives. From catching and eating fish, crabs and oysters (well, not from the Lynnhaven right now as there was a large sewage spill recently, oops) to kayaking, boating and enjoying nature, it's important to Orbit Candle that we operate in a way that is more sustainable and better for the environment.
From reusing packaging materials, minimizing plastics and especially single use plastics in our manufacturing process, to choosing the wax and wicks and containers for our candles, we try to keep sustainability in mind at our workshop.
We chose a sustainably sourced soy & coconut wax blend for many of our candles for good reason. These natural waxes offer a number benefits over traditional paraffin wax, making them a top choice for more eco-friendly, cleaner-burning candles.
- More Eco-Friendly
One of the biggest benefits of soy and coconut wax is that they are both made from renewable resources. Soybeans are a renewable crop that can be grown annually, making it a sustainable source of wax. Coconut wax is made from the oil of coconuts, which is also a renewable resource when responsibly farmed. In contrast, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is a finite resource and is not renewable. Using soy and coconut wax helps reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources and lowers our impact on the environment.
- Cleaner Burning
Another benefit of soy and coconut wax is that they both burn a lot more cleanly. When candles are burned, they release soot into the air. Paraffin wax candles are known to release harmful chemicals into the air, including benzene and toluene, which can be harmful to your health. Soy and coconut wax, on the other hand, release very little soot and do not contain any harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for indoor use. While studies have shown paraffin candles are safe for consumers to use, we'd rather avoid those chemicals in the first place. It's still important to avoid inhaling the smoke from any candle period.
- Longer Burning Time
Soy and coconut wax candles also have a longer burning time compared to paraffin wax candles. Soy and coconut wax candles have a burn time of up to 20%-50% longer than paraffin candles. This makes them a more cost-effective option, as you won't have to replace them as often.
- Better Scent Throw
Soy and coconut wax candles can also have a better scent throw compared to paraffin wax candles, especially when paired with the right wick, making your candle experience even more enjoyable.
In the end, we feel soy and coconut wax candles matched with our business better than traditional paraffin wax candles. They are eco-friendlier, cleaner burning, have a longer burning time, and a better scent throw. We're always on the lookout to reduce our shop waste, recycle, and find components of our candles and shipping supplies that are friendlier for the environment. We are particularly enjoying our new Garlic Scented Candle at the moment.