Have You Seen the (Soy Candle) Light?

My love of candles is a genetic trait I share with my Father. Odd, huh? But it may not be exactly what you think. When my Dad was a young boy in Catholic school, he got into trouble with the nuns—as he did very often—for sneaking into church and lighting every single candle in the venerated space.

My relationship with candles is much more innocent . . . but it wasn’t always the case. I used to burn anything with a wick, never stopping to consider what was in the wax, the container, or the wick itself. But in my process of going green, I’ve seen the (soy candle) light!

Yesterday I was in Boston and, while shopping between meetings, I bought a soy candle from Paddywax. Here’s how the company describes its eco collection on the website:

“We took the famed phrase 'We must be the change we want to see in the world' to heart. From soy-based inks, to hemp twine, to recycled paper, this collection is committed to conserving our planet's resources. The chlorine free paper pulp box is biodegradable in 3-6 months and is wrapped with a 100% post-industrial recycled paper label awarded FSC-certification. The FSC's mission is to 'promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.'” Each candle is hand-poured in the USA and offers 45 hours of guiltless burn time. Oh, and the scents are terrific (I chose "Bordeaux Fig and Vetiver").

In response to these superb soy candles—and in homage to my Father’s attempt to lighten up the church—I ask: Can I get an Amen?

Question of the blog: What’s your favorite soy candle company?