With Diwali, the Festival of Lights” around the corner, many of us will be burning candles as a festive act. But if you were planning to keep candles in your list of reforms of celebrating a greener and less polluted Diwali…think again. While candles don’t have much environmental impact as compared to pollution created by cars and factories or Diwali crackers for that matter, it does create indoor air pollution which could be more harmful than imagined. Experts say candles are bad for the environment because they release an assortment of pollutants when they are burnt.
What not to burn and why
Paraffin candles when burnt; produce a number of harmful byproducts including greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide. Some of the air contaminants in paraffin fumes include toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl Ketone (MEK) and naphthalene—substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers. These can easily trigger skin and other allergies in asthmatic and sinusitis patients.
Moreover, paraffin wax candles, which are the majority of candle brands, are petroleum products. This means that they’re made using a nonrenewable source that adds to pollution. Candle wigs are also made of lead and zinc, which can release harmful gases when they are burnt.
Research shows, burning a paraffin candle for one hour will release about 10 grams of carbon dioxide; whereas a CFL bulb will emit about 5 grams per hour. Burning 500 candles could result in about 10 times more CO2 emissions than regular 40watt bulbs. This proves, lighting a candle instead of a CFL could clearly result in a net increase of CO2 emissions. Also, scented candles aren’t better than the paraffin candles as they may also release toxins from the chemicals that are used to give them their scent.
What you could burn
So what’s left to burn?..Well, the answer is Soy and beewax candles! Soy and beewax candles emit fewer harmful chemicals when burnt and are so far the “greenest" candle options available in the market. Beewax is the only wax that emits negative ions when it burns. Negative ions help to clean the air of dust, smoke and pollens. It can also help reduce fatigue. Beewax has its own wonderful fragrance. Besides, beewax candles burn up to five times longer than paraffin! These could be slightly expensive, but nothing compared to the cost we pay for breathing harmful gases.
Do your bit
Make your own candles! It’s simple, easy and extremely enjoyable! Join a candle making course this Diwali and engage your kids too during their Diwali break. Make your own homemade candle using beewax, in unique designs and in your favorite color!
Though, you still want to purchase your candles, just take out a few minutes, when you’re standing in front of that shelf of candles in the store, avoid anything that has extra plastic packaging overtop of an already serviceable candle holder. You don’t need it, and neither does the planet! Similarly, avoid packing in plastic covers even when gifting homemade candles to people.
