Do Candles Have an Environmental Impact?
Candles offer warmth, fragrance, and ambiance, but some makers and customers are asking important questions about sustainability. Do candles cause pollution? Are certain waxes or wicks more eco-conscious than others? Can candles affect indoor air quality?
If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the craft, choosing responsibly sourced materials, avoiding waste, and following clean-burning guidelines is a good place to start. Try our ECO Candle Wick Series, designed to minimize mushrooming and soot leading to a cleaner, more efficient burn.
If you're trying to make more informed choices for candle air pollution or sustainability, either as a consumer or small-batch maker, understanding the environmental considerations behind candle ingredients and production is a great place to start.
Are Candles Bad for the Environment?
Candles are not inherently harmful, but like many consumer products, their environmental footprint depends on the materials used, how they are made, and how they are burned.
The Carbon Footprint of Candles
All candles release small amounts of carbon dioxide when burned. This is true for paraffin, soy, beeswax, and other fuel-based waxes. However, the emissions are relatively low compared to other common household activities. Still, large-scale production and transportation of raw materials can add to a product’s total carbon footprint.
Do Candles Release CO2?
Yes, burning any hydrocarbon-based wax releases CO₂. Paraffin, which is derived from petroleum, has a higher carbon output per gram burned than soy or coconut wax. That said, burning one or two candles in a ventilated room will not create dangerous CO₂ levels on its own.
Candles and Indoor Air Pollution
Scented candles can contribute to indoor air pollution, especially if they’re made with lower-quality ingredients or burned improperly.
Do Candles Contribute to Indoor Air Pollution?
Incomplete combustion, long wicks, or poor ventilation can cause candles to release soot and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over time, this can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Most concern comes from paraffin wax burned in unventilated areas or heavily fragranced candles without proper formulation testing.
Are Candle Fumes or Smoke Toxic?
There’s no strong evidence that occasional use of scented candles in a ventilated space poses health risks. Still, prolonged exposure to soot or strong synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive individuals. Using candles with high-quality fragrance oils and following IFRA guidelines helps reduce this risk.
Are Candles Sustainable?
Sustainability varies across wax types, production methods, and packaging practices.
Comparing Wax Types: Paraffin vs. Soy vs. Coconut
- Paraffin wax is petroleum-derived, non-renewable, and has a higher carbon footprint.
- Soy wax is plant-based and renewable but may involve heavy land use or deforestation depending on the source.
- Coconut wax tends to require less land and water to produce and is often praised for its lower environmental impact.
When evaluating sustainability, it helps to look at the full supply chain, including how crops are farmed and whether waxes are blended or pure.
Packaging, Sourcing, and Waste Considerations
Glass containers, such as Jelly Jars, can be reused or recycled, but not all candle vessels are recyclable through curbside programs. Avoiding plastic-heavy packaging, sourcing locally when possible, and batching orders for shipping can help reduce waste in production and delivery.
Tips for Choosing More Eco-Conscious Candle Supplies
Cleaner Wicks and Fragrance Guidelines
Look for wicks that are lead-free and made from cotton or paper cores. Use fragrance oils at recommended levels based on IFRA’s usage standards. Overloading candles with fragrance can lead to poor burn performance and increase indoor emissions.
Reducing Waste in Candle Making
- Test in small batches to avoid excess waste
- Repurpose glass containers when safe and appropriate
- Print labels in bulk to cut packaging material use
- Use recyclable filler and craft boxes for shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are candles pollutants?
A: Candles do emit small amounts of CO₂ and soot, but when burned properly and made with quality materials, their environmental impact is considered minimal in the home.
Q: Do candles cause air pollution?
A: Improper burning or poor ventilation can lead to soot or VOCs building up indoors. Trimming the wick and burning candles in a ventilated space reduces this risk.
Q: Do candles pollute indoor air?
A: Yes, if burned improperly or made with low-quality wax and fragrance. Choose clean-burning ingredients and follow best practices for wick trimming and ventilation.
Q: Are candles bad for the environment?
A: Some waxes, like paraffin, are said to have a larger environmental footprint. More sustainable alternatives include soy or coconut wax, especially when sourced responsibly.
Q: Do candles release CO₂?
A: Yes, all candles release carbon dioxide as part of the combustion process. Plant-based waxes tend to have a lower carbon footprint than petroleum-derived waxes.
Q: Do scented candles pollute the air?
A: They can, depending on the quality and amount of fragrance used. Following IFRA usage limits and choosing safe, tested fragrances helps prevent overloading the air.
Q: Are candle fumes toxic?
A: Most fumes are not considered toxic at normal usage levels, but people with sensitivities may react to strong scents or excessive soot. Choosing clean, well-formulated products helps prevent this.