Friday, May 11, 2007
This suggestion comes to you thanks to Green Purse Alerts! subscriber Laureen in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It's just in time if you still need a unique Mother's Day gift. But don't hesitate to hold on to it all year long and pull it out next time you're shopping for dinner, party or picnic candles or just want some natural lights to soften your mood.
After years of burning paraffin-based candles that left nasty soot residue on her walls and pictures, Laureen stumbled upon soy candles in a little shop on Long Island. She's also found soy candles in Hallmark shops in her local mall. What does she like about them?
• They're clean. Conventional candles come from petroleum, which is why they create soot when they burn. Soy candles are made from just what they sound like: soybeans. You can burn them without worrying about generating carbon emissions or having to clean up grime afterwards.
• They're cool. Because they're basically beans, not oil, soy candles give you the flame without the same heat that paraffin candles emit.
• They last. Soy candles burn 30-50 percent longer than petroleum-based candles - a nice feature if you're having a dinner party, evening picnic, or just don't want to have to buy candles so often.
Where can you get them?
In your neighborhood:
• Hallmark, Home Depot - Home Depot may be a long shot, but given the new Eco Options program introduced over Earth Day, they might order "green" products they're not yet carrying on their store shelves.
• Boutiques - Specialty shops that carry pottery, jewelry, home accessories and other trendy items may be an unexpected source of soy candles as well.
• Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Natural Foods Stores
On the Internet:
Among their offerings is an Earth Soy Candle, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Live Earth Concert on 7-7-07; Prices start at $12 for a 10 oz candle.
Offering 100% soy candles in fragrances ranging from vanilla and sandalwood, to lavender, cedar and lime. Prices start at $12.50 for a 14 oz. candle.
Starting at 12 oz. candle jars at $8.00 in a variety of fragrances.
All natural soy candles - travel tins come in 5 oz. sizes and a variety of fragrances, and will burn for up to 20 hours. $5.00
What works for you?
Whether you try candles like these or something we haven't found yet, we'd love to share your questions, suggestions and solutions with the rest of our community. Drop us a line and let us know what works for you, or what other information you need. Feel free to send your photo!
You can find more environmentally friendly shopping ideas at the Shop Green Here pages of www.biggreenpurse.com
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