** Update...we just got a reference in the Chicago Tribune web edition. In in their Green Buzz regarding eco-friendly candles. Check it out!**
Americans have the luxury of electricity, so candles have largely become a novelty, useful for illuminating romantic dinners or for helping to soothe the soul at the end of a long day. As a result, some stores like Yankee Candle charge exorbitant rates for these waxy creations. Other candle manufacturers have made a fortune touting candles' supposed aromatically-therapeutic effects.
One thing that never gets discussed is the fact that many traditional candles---especially scented candles---contain and release noxious chemicals when burned. According to E/The Environmental Magazine, many scented candles release phthalates, which are chemicals that are linked to the disruption of hormonal systems and other health issues. Other harmful chemicals that burning candles can release are acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and naphthalene.
People have become very aware and proactive about getting the lead out of their homes by removing old
lead paint from their walls. However, few are aware that many candlewicks contain lead---specifically the wicks with the stiff metal center. If you have candles with such wicks, refrain from burning them and replace them with candles with soft cotton wicks.
In this day of record-setting oil prices, a good number of Americans have begun to take measures to help reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil---from driving less to saying no to plastic bags at the grocery store---we are certainly more conscious of the role we play in this issue. So, did you know that you can also help mitigate the oil crisis by not buying paraffin-based candles? How so? Paraffin-based candles are "made from waxes derived in the process of refining crude oil and literally consist of hydrocarbons."
So, what is a candle lover to do? One option is to buy soy-based candles, which are made from plant waste. Beeswax candles are another natural option. For those aromatherapy addicts, buy scented candles that use only pure plant essential oils. Check out these candle makers for a more Earth-friendly option: Bluecorn Naturals, Honeyflow Farm, Vermont Soy Candles, and Aveda.
Want to protect the earth and save energy? Then stop all wars, conflicts and terrorism. How do you do that? Make the United States free of foreign oil. When the US is energy independent there will be no more oil wars and the terrorists will no longer be able or interested in reaching us. This will save lives AND energy. Let's study what Denmark, France, Brazil, and Australia have done on diversifying their energy supplies and do likewise. Let's drill wherever we have oil and put a new nuclear power plant in every state. Let's use all our coal and natural gas. We don't need foreign energy. And we will be safer, greener, and richer with out it. All of the earth’s natural resources will be eventually used by someone at some time. Would your rather these resources be recovered in an ecological friendly and sustainable way by the US or that some dictator who could not care less about the environment exploit the earth. All alternative sources of energy will take decades to bring online because their conversion efficiencies are not yet high enough. Eventually, the US will lead the world into a sustainable green economy, but energy independence comes first. It is the low hanging fruit and gives immediate benefits now.
Posted by: poetryman69 | April 20, 2008 at 04:42 PM