How much thought do you put into your candles? I used to be the kind of person who grabbed whatever was on sale at the local supermarket, assuming a scented candle was a scented candle. Lime-vanilla or pumpkin-cinnamon, it all ended up forgotten on the bathroom counter anyway. But then, I discovered EverAfter Candles, and it changed everything.
What’s in a Candle?
You might be thinking, “A candle is just a candle, right?” That’s what I thought too, until I learned about the differences in wax types. My newfound love for EverAfter Candles led me down the rabbit hole of eco-friendly candle making, and guess what? Not all candles are created equal. EverAfter Candles use soy wax, which is not only great for your home but also for the planet.
The Birth of EverAfter Candles
EverAfter Candles was born out of a love for Disney movies, characters, and shows. Imagine your favorite Disney moments captured in scents that not only make your home smell amazing but are also environmentally conscious. These aren’t just any candles; they’re a nostalgic trip back to your childhood, all while being kind to Mother Earth.
Why Soy Wax?
So, let’s break down why soy wax is a game-changer. Traditionally, candles have been made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum. Now, I’m no chemist, but I know enough to realize that burning something derived from oil can’t be great for the environment or my lungs. Soy wax, on the other hand, comes from soybeans, making it a renewable resource.
Here’s a little table to make this easier:
| Aspect | Paraffin Wax | Soy Wax |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum (Non-renewable) | Soybeans (Renewable) |
| Soot | High Soot Emission | Low Soot Emission |
| Scent Throw | Strong | Moderate |
| Burn Time | Shorter | Longer |
| Biodegradability | Non-Biodegradable | Biodegradable |
Health Benefits to Consider
I bet you didn’t realize your candle choices could affect your health. When you burn paraffin wax, it releases harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. I don’t know about you, but that’s not something I want floating around my living room. In contrast, soy wax burns cleaner and doesn’t release these toxins.
Plus, EverAfter Candles use lead-free cotton wicks and phthalate-free fragrance oils. No one wants to worry about inhaling nasty chemicals while they’re trying to relax with a book or binge-watch the latest series on Netflix.
Long-Lasting Magic
One of the biggest surprises for me was how long these soy wax candles last. In my experience, I found that EverAfter Candles outlast their paraffin counterparts. Imagine lighting a candle and having it burn for hours without the wax evaporating into a puddle before your eyes. Soy wax burns slower and cooler, which means you can enjoy more of your favorite Disney-inspired scents for longer.
Scent-Sational Options
Because EverAfter Candles draw inspiration from Disney movies and characters, the aromas are unique and enchanting. Think of a candle that smells like the inside of Belle’s library or Ariel’s underwater grotto. Each scent tells a story and transports you to a different Disney world. It’s like a fast pass, but for your nose!
A Few of My Favorites
- Enchanted Rose: Picture yourself in the Beast’s castle, with notes of fresh roses and enchanted magic.
- Pixie Dust: This one makes you feel like Tinker Bell just flew by, leaving a trail of sparkling, sweet vanilla and lavender.
- Under the Sea: Close your eyes and you’re exploring Ariel’s secret grotto with hints of sea breeze and ocean mint.
Environmental Impact
I’ve touched on this a bit, but let’s delve deeper into the environmental impact. Soy wax is biodegradable and water-soluble, meaning it breaks down naturally and poses less of a risk to our planet. In contrast, paraffin wax is derived from fossil fuels and contributes to environmental degradation.
Switching to soy wax candles like EverAfter Candles is one small step you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, the soybeans used are often grown in the United States, supporting local farmers and reducing transportation emissions.
Ethical Choices
Even better, EverAfter Candles is committed to ethical sourcing and production. Many of their candles are hand-poured in small batches, ensuring quality and sustainability. Supporting a company that prioritizes eco-friendly practices makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside—and not just from the candlelight!
Simple Swaps for a Greener Life
Since we’re on the subject of making greener choices, let me share a few simple swaps I’ve made that have been both eco-friendly and life-enhancing.
- Reusable Shopping Bags: It seems basic, but swapping plastic bags for reusable ones reduces waste significantly.
- Bamboo Toothbrushes: Ditching plastic toothbrushes for bamboo alternatives helps cut down on plastic waste.
- Metal Straws: They’re durable and save countless plastic straws from ending up in our oceans.
How to Care for Your Candle
I used to be terrible at candle care—I’d just light them up and let them go. But, proper candle maintenance can prolong the life of your beloved EverAfter Candle.
- Trim the Wick: Before each burn, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This prevents excessive soot and keeps the flame manageable.
- First Burn: When you first light your candle, let it burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edge. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn.
- Keep it Clean: Remove any debris that falls into the wax, as it can affect how the candle burns.
The Art of Recycling
One of my favorite things about EverAfter Candles is that the glass jars are perfect for reusing. Once the candle is burned down, you can repurpose the jar. Here’s a little step-by-step guide:
- Remove Excess Wax: Place the jar in the freezer overnight. The wax will shrink, making it easier to pop out.
- Wash the Jar: Use warm soapy water to clean out any remaining wax and fragrance oils.
- Repurpose: Use your cleaned jar as a decorative piece, a plant holder, or even a new home for your office supplies.
Making a Difference
It’s easy to feel like one small candle can’t make a difference, but every little bit helps. By choosing eco-friendly products like EverAfter Candles, you’re casting a vote for sustainable practices. Imagine if hundreds or thousands of people made this kind of switch—it adds up quickly.
Where to Find EverAfter Candles
If you’re intrigued and want to try these magical, eco-friendly candles yourself, you can find them on their website. They also do limited edition releases and special collaborations, so keep an eye out for those to grab something unique.
Final Thoughts
Switching to soy wax candles has been one of those small but impactful changes in my life. Discovering EverAfter Candles has not only filled my home with delightful Disney-inspired scents but has also allowed me to make a more ethical and eco-friendly choice. So the next time you’re in the mood to light a candle, think about what’s in it and the story it tells. It just might make your next evening in feel a little more magical.
That’s all from my end. If you’ve already tried EverAfter Candles or have any other eco-friendly swaps you swear by, let’s chat. I’m always up for new ideas that make life a bit gentler on the planet.
