Considering Candles
Candles are not something most would think you'd have to consider as a vegan. There is a lot of information out there about whether or not candles are considered vegan and it comes down to the bee argument, which would be another post entirely. The definitive answer is that most candles are not vegan. Nearly all candles are made from paraffin wax and animal fats, except for a small number that are made from beeswax. Very often, beeswax is blended with paraffin to make candles.
As most vegans know, beeswax is not considered a vegan product. Honey bees secrete the wax and use it to build honeycomb cells in which their young are raised and honey and pollen are stored.
Paraffin candle wax is made from the residue collected from gasoline refining. When paraffin candles are burned, they release black petroleum carbon soot deposits. These are carcinogens known as petro-soot and can be considered as harmful as secondhand tobacco smoke.
Candles made from pure plant waxes are becoming more readily available. A simple google search pulls up many retailers all across Canada.
Photo courtesy of: Stacey M Candles
There are so many positives to a plant-based candle above and beyond the vegan issue:
Vegetable-based candles are biodegradable and water soluble.
Residue cleans up with soap and water.
They will not damage carpets or furniture.
They burn cooler and more uniformly.
They last up to 50% longer than traditional candles.
They are an environmentally friendlier alternative.
They decrease dependance on crude oil.
Soy wax is a sustainable resource.
When planning an event it's always important to consider every detail, even the candles.