beeswax

Zem at Ecofabulous got us thinking about candles today. We were particularly surprised by the statistic she cites stating that seven in ten American households burn candles regularly. Who knew we were such a romantic culture?

Ordinary paraffin candles are made with petroleum byproducts, and produce soot when burned that, while perhaps not a statistically significant factor in global warming, is certainly a lung irritant to those who inhale the fumes. Soy or beeswax candles are the way to go. To read more about the virtues of soy vs. paraffin candles, check out ecomall's shopping guide. But we have a soft spot for beeswax candles, with their heady natural aroma and golden color. Care2 explains why beeswax rules: "Beeswax candle fuel is the only fuel that actually produces negative ions, which not only helps remove pollution from the air but increases the ratio of negative ions to positive ions, the ideal and necessary scenario for clean air."

We love giving--and getting--candles as gifts. Decorative objects that produce hours of sensual pleasure, they are things we tend never to buy for ourselves--at least not the heavenly-scented, fancy kind. Beeswax Candleworks sells every shape of candle you can imagine, from tapers and pillars to tiki idols and christmas trees, at reasonable prices. Kathleen Lewis makes scented beeswax candles that come in jars--perfect for bringing with you to personalize a hotel room with lavender or sage if you're travelling this season. Fusion Home has an assortment of gorgeous candles for holidays and beyond, including the witty pine cone replicas pictured here.