mind your beeswax!

Most candles on the market are made from a non-renewable resource: paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product. Traditional paraffin candles may also burn off unhealthy fumes, especially if they are scented with synthetic fragrances or have a lead-containing wick (scary stuff!).

The good news is, there are plenty of clean-burning alternatives to paraffin candles. I recently picked up this 100% beeswax candle from Big Dipper Wax Works ($18 at 3R Living in Brooklyn). It was well worth the price, as it burns for 60 hours -- much longer than a hot-burning paraffin candle.


Beeswax candles have a delicately sweet scent, and naturally clean the air by emitting purifying negative ions.

Beeswax is the purest material for candle making. It's a renewable resource and its production requires no chemicals and very little energy (except for that of the bees!).

You can get Big Dipper candles at their site or at 3R Living.

Other beeswax candles are available at Amazon.

Read more about the dangers of air fresheners, including paraffin wax candles, at The Green Guide.