Something In The Air

Paraffin candles emit pollution, but there are reasonable alternatives.

Every year on the last Saturday in March, people around the world observe Earth Hour by turning off unnecessary lights and appliances for an hour. The World Wildlife Fund, which founded Earth Hour in 2007, was hoping for a billion participants in 2010. Many of them probably lit candles—which, proving no good deed goes unpunished, can also create pollution.

Burning paraffin, the most common candle wax and a petroleum byproduct, produces the same soot as a diesel engine, including such carcinogens as toluene and benzine, according to a study by R. Massoudi and Amid Hamidi presented to the American Chemical Society in 2009. The healthiest candles are made from beeswax, soy or vegetable oil. They should have cotton wicks (if you’re not sure, peel the wick back and check the core to make sure it’s not metal) and all natural plant-based scents and dyes.

Churches have traditionally used beeswax candles because they burn so cleanly. At the All Saints of North America Monastery in Dewdney, B.C., Bishop Varlaam hand-dips candles for church use and also sells some to raise funds for the monastery. Made from pure beeswax from the Peace River district, they are about 10 inches long and $8 a pair. Note, however, that since this is a one-man operation, supply is limited. 1-604-826-9336, bishopvarlaam@yahoo.ca

Equally pure but more widely available, Kelowna’s Avalon Sunset Candles are hand-dipped using beeswax from southern Alberta. All-natural candles in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours can be purchased online and in most B.C. health food stores. They are also sold under the name Queen Bee at some Save-On-Foods and other stores. Foot-long tapers are $3.99 each, $84 for a case of 24. 1-877-762-6050, www.avalonsunsetcandles.com

Soy wax is so soft that candles must be in containers, but stearin candles, made from palm oil, make excellent—and inexpensive—tapers that do not drip or give off soot. IKEA’s Jubla stearin candles are just $4.99 for four 14-inch tapers or $8.99 for 20 chandelier candles 9.75 inches long. Before the end of the year, IKEA will only use certified palm oil. www.ikea.com

Photo: C. Phaisalakani