Archive for the 'soy wax candles' Category
Soy wax is relatively a new market. It was in 1991 that is came into being. A man by the name of Michael Richards developed soy wax in the search for a cheaper alternative for beeswax. Beeswax is ten times more expensive than paraffin, and there is a big demand for candles made from natural wax. He tested a variety of different natural plant waxes and found one made from partially hydrogenated soy oil, coconut oil and palm oil. He also made a blend of beeswax and soy wax to usher in an economical natural wax candle.
In 1995 a national chain of stores called the Body Shop offered soy candles for purchase to the general public. The very first natural wax candles were a blend of beeswax and almond oil but later the almond oil was replaced with soy wax. Michael was able to replace the beeswax with soy wax in 1996. He developed soy wax mixtures for container candles as well as free standing candles. Free standing candles need a higher melting point so their blend must be different. Candleworks, a soy wax producer, in 1997 did a research project with UNI in Iowa: the results being a study of ” Increasing the use of soybeans in the manufacturing of candles.” In 1998, at the Farm Progress Show a special patented soy wax was introduced by the Indiana Soybean Board. It was called “Harvest Lights” developed by a farmer funded group. Much research has been done since 1999 to prove the benefits of using soy wax which has resulted in two scientific publications: Hydrogenated vegetable oils as candle wax and Combustion characteristics of candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil, both by Rezaei K T Wang and L A Johnson. Cargill, in 2001, bought the patent of soy wax from Michael Richards. It now manufactures soybean wax and supplies it to soy wax candle producers.
When candles are burned they release pollutants. Combustion creates an assortment of chemical compounds. There are worse contributors of environmental pollutants than candles however, like open fireplaces, cars, unclean power plants, dirty manufacturing processes, and many more. Because candles release a much smaller amount of pollutants, you can put them on the bottom of your environmental awareness list.
Some candles are worse with releasing pollutants-than others and if you are thinking of going green you should give soy candles, beeswax or vegetable based candles a try. The traditional paraffin candles do emit more pollutants. The ways that burning candles are bad for the environment are due to the byproducts produced when they are combusted. One byproduct is carbon dioxide. Paraffin is a petroleum product, a nonrenewable resource, and adds to the pollution through oil spills and issues associated with the process of oil extraction. Candles produce soot, which is a particulate material that can cause lung irritation. However soy candles produce very little soot, making them an excellent alternative in the green awareness. Also the wick can be an issue with burning candles. Be sure to purchase candles with natural cotton wicks. Some wicks have zinc and lead as additives, when burned releasing harmful gases. Even though lead wicks are banned in some parts of the world it is hard to enforce. Be sure and check the label before buying your candles. Then think of the wrapping your candle is packaged in. Is it biodegradable wrapping? Also the container you candle comes in, is it reusable?
Our soy candles are made with all natural cotton wicks and have no lead or zinc. The containers are easily reusable. The nice thing about soy wax is that it cleans up with just soap and water, making the container environmentally friendly. Enjoy the holidays with our scented natural soy wax candles. They come in various reusable containers and sizes, as well as pillar soy candles, soy votives, body massage soy candles, wood wick soy candles and aromatherapy soy candles. They make great gifts for the hard to buy for person on you holiday shopping list!
Soy is not a magic ingredient and soy candles if not handled properly can still pose a fire hazard. If you are looking for an environmentally sound candle, a soy candle is an excellent choice. Soy candles are made from natural soy wax which is a derivative of soy, developed in the early 1990’s. Soy has an advantage over paraffin, a petroleum product, as soy is a renewable resource. Soy wax is also cheaper than beeswax. Beeswax is another all-natural wax alternative. Soy doesn’t have a rich natural fragrance but it can be used as a carrier medium for essential oils. By using soy with essential oils you can create scented soy candles.
Soy candles are non-toxic and produce much less soot than many other candles. If you have pets or children then soy candles are a good choice for the above reasons. Soy candle wax is easier to clean up than other waxes, just use soap and water. Soy candles are more expensive than paraffin, but they have a longer burn life thus out weighing their cost. Soy candles are however cheaper than beeswax candles, since soy is easy to produce to meet the demand. You can enhance the ecological advantages of soy candles by using recycled packaging and eco-friendly wicks made from recycled materials.
If you are making your own candles, soy wax has a lower melting point thus making it easier to work with. You can also suspend dried leaves or flowers in your creation soy candle. Soy wax when used with essential oils is a great medium. The slower burn time of soy wax allows a slower release of the essential oils, allowing a gradual build up of the fragrance, rather than an overwhelming odor like that produced with paraffin candles. Soy candles are durable and longer burning that come in a variety of colors, styles, and scents to meet the needs of your home and office. Store soy candles in a cool dry place to prevent melting or destabilization of the soy wax, until you are ready to burn them.
Natural healing uses an alternative method known as aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can be used to relax and soothe the body and mind and to energize and to arouse. Essential oils are used in this method of natural healing. They are the aromatic compounds of plants that have been extracted by steam distillation or other methods. Your feelings and moods are affected by the aromas of essential oils through your sense of smell. Certain scents can bring about a state of relaxation, romance, healing or comfort. Ways this might be accomplished is by the use of oils, inhalers, diffusers and scented soy candles. Since aromatherapy has the ability to affect your mood, it can be used to enhance your romantic life.
Jasmine, Gardenia, Rose and Geranium are associated with love and romance. Oils from these herbs can excite your romantic life. You can find scented soy candles with these fragrant aromas in many different sizes and styles. A great way to experience aromatherapy is by using body massage soy candles. These candles are made with natural soy wax. They leave behind no soot and are non-toxic, meaning they have no pollution type materials in them. Spice up your life with romance and try aromatherapy soy candles today.
Most practicing Jews begin their celebration of Sabbath with the lighting of the Sabbath candles. It begins on Friday night and is a time of rest, no work and inner reflection. It begins precisely 18 minutes prior to sundown and is started with a prayer, usually spoken in Hebrew. The oldest woman in the house is responsible for the lighting of the candles. When there is not a woman present then the oldest man will light the candles and say the prayer. It is then customary to cover their eyes, so not to see the light. Two is the traditional minimum number of candles used, but more is OK. The two candles represent two important texts in the Old Testament or the Torah. During the Sabbath the candles are also an important source of light, as even electricity is shunned.
Soy candles can be used as a source of light in areas where there is no electricity. It is always a good idea to have a few on hand, especially during the stormy weather ahead. Scented soy candles come in pillars, votives, containers, tart melts, aromatherapy, body massage and wood wicks. Pick your favorite fragrance, color and size. Soy candles are made from natural soy wax and are non-toxic, biodegradable, affordable, a renewable resource, and are a healthy choice.
There are many reasons to use candles. There are different waxes available to make candles with. Of all the choices you could make, scented soy candles will be the healthier and most economically sound choice. Below are some of the benefits to using soy candles. I hope you will give them a try and see for yourself.
- Soy wax burns 30-50% longer than paraffin wax.
- Soy wax retains color and fragrance better than paraffin wax.
- Soy wax is made from the soybean, an unlimited renewable resource.
- Soy wax is a natural product.
- Soy wax is not made from petroleum like paraffin wax.
- Soy wax is non-toxic.
- No carcinogens are produced when burning soy wax.
- Using soy wax candles helps support the American farmer.
- Soy wax is water-soluble, meaning just soap and water will clean up spills.
- Soy wax is biodegradable.
- Soy wax produces little to no soot when burning.
There are two types of electric candles: one that plugs into an electrical outlet and is UL tested{United Laboratories} and the electric warmers. The one that plugs into an outlet resembles a candle with the bulb representing the flame. The electric warmers melt real wax candles. During the holidays you often see the electric candles in windows of homes. The most popular ones have built-in sensors that turn on at night and off during daytime. Some use standard night light bulbs and some require specialty bulbs that resemble a flickering flame.
The electric warmers are decorative containers for wax tarts or melts. They are powered by electricity to melt the candle wax and release the aroma into the air. Soy wax is a excellent choice for your tarts to put into your electric candle warmer. Soy wax is non-toxic, a renewable resource, burns 50% longer than paraffin wax, produces little to no soot and is easy to clean up with just soap and water. Soy tart melts are just one example of scented soy candles. They come in many different fragrances as well as unscented.
Citronella candles are a candle that is blended with essential oil from citronella. Citronella is a grass that is native to Asia. This essential oil is found to be useful as a natural insect repellent to mosquitoes. However studies conducted at the University of Ontario have found only a 45% efficiency rate in their use. With this in mind a citronella candle should be used in conjunction with other methods of repelling insects for full protection.
It is necessary to use a large number of citronella candles to protect from insects, especially in a large area. If the candles are spaced to far apart the insects will sneak through and if you stray to far from the candles you will find unwanted insects pestering you. You can find citronella candles in pillars, tapers and various other shapes as well as ones that are able to float in pools and ones in containers to help reduce the risk of fire. Another option is to pour the citronella essential oil into a diffuser and place it in a strategic place outdoors to ward off unwelcome insects.
The essential oil of the citronella grass has a strong lemon scent and a bright yellow to brown color. The candles give off a strong citrus odor and are usually yellow in color. This essential oil is also used in creams that can be applied to the skin and in torches designed to cover a large area. The oil can cause rashes, hives and itching in children and adults if coming in contact with the skin. Test out the cream on a small section of skin first and see if a reaction occurs before using on the entire body.
Scented soy candles come in all shapes and sizes, colors and fragrances. You can find them in free standing like pillars or in various containers. You can mix and match them for elegant table decorations. They make excellent gifts for the hard to buy for. There are even ones for romantic occasions. Soy candles are a safe and healthy alternative to burning the standard paraffin candles. Soy candles are non-toxic, are made from a renewable resource the soybean, produce little to no soot, burn 50% longer, burn at a lower temperature thus being safer to use and clean up with just soap and water if there is a wax spill. You can even save the container and wash it out and reuse it for something else. Give soy candles a try. You will be pleased with the results.
An LED or light emitting diode, are so close to looking like a real candle that you might not notice the difference at first. The wick is recessed inside the candle body, looking like the candle has partially burned. This allows the LED to be hidden from view, while the top part of the candle glows, giving the appearance of translucent wax. They flicker to stimulate a real burning flame. There are several models. They can be used inside or out, are resistant to rain or wind and can be used as a night light for children. Some are rechargeable while others are battery operated. If you love to burn candles and want to try something different, this might be an option for you.
If you are looking for something different and want a healthier choice in burning candles, try scented soy wax candles. They come in various sizes, shapes, scents, styles, containers and colors. Soy candles are non-toxic, a renewable resource, burn at a lower temperature thus making them less prone in causing burns, burn 50% longer than paraffin candles and produce no black soot. Another benefit of using soy candles is easy clean up, just soap and water on any wax spill. There are so many positive benefits to using soy candles versus paraffin candles. You will be glad you gave them a try!
Tart warmers, also know as a tart burner, come in many styles, shapes and sizes. You will find them made out of ceramic, glass or metal. They can add flair and design to your home. If used to melt aromatherapy tarts they will benefit your inner being as well. A tart warmer will melt your tarts without the use of a flame. There are two types: an electric one and a non-electric one. They can also disperse the aroma of fragrance oils as well as soy candles. To melt a soy candle simply remove the tart dish and set your candle directly on the warmer. When using soy tart melts your warmer will disperse the aroma by melting the soy wax and thus allowing the aroma to fill your home. The fragrance of your tarts, when melted in a warmer, will often be much stronger than that of a traditional scented burning candle.
The electric warmer works by the use of a small bulb that heats the oil or tart and melts it. As it is being heated the aroma is released. A non-electric warmer uses a tealight to melt the oil or tart. With this style you will have a flame since the tealight is a candle. The decision is up to you which style you prefer.
The advantage of using a tart warmer is that your melts will last much longer than a candle would. When you are done with the warmer simply turn it off or put the tealight out. The tarts will harden and can be used again and again. If you want to enjoy a different fragrance simply remove the harden tart wax and store it. Another advantage is that you can use that soy candle that is to low to burn anymore and put it in your warmer and still enjoy the fragrance as it melts. No more wasted scented soy candles.
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