Soy vs. Paraffin part 2 – What is really better for the environment Soy or Paraffin?

The answer should be easy, right? Soy comes from the ground so it seems to be the obvious answer. Let’s analyze this.

Soybeans go through a chemical process to change into a waxy substance that can be used for candle making. One could argue that they are therefore using soybeans that could otherwise serve as food or energy, for the purpose of making candles, a non-essential item.

The situation is similar for Palm wax. Healthy trees are being knocked down to produce this wax. But where does paraffin come from?

Well there is no paraffin tree, but it does come from nature. Paraffin is produced from crude oil. After crude oil is refined to make whatever fuel they are going to make from it, a waste product is left over that’s no good for fuel or oil. Companies like IGI and Astorlite purchase this waste product and paraffin wax is made. And though it doesn’t grow in beautiful green fields or tropical warm climates, paraffin does come from the ground and is 100% biodegradable.

So the answer to our question, what is really better for the environment Soy or Paraffin, the answer is….no one wax is better than another, it’s all purely opinion. Soy Paraffin and Palm all occur in nature and everyone has their opinion, but you as a consumer and an individual have to decide which you prefer. None of them are harmful to the environment, or you (as long as they are well made and you burn them properly).

Soy vs. Paraffin part 1 - The sweet smell of going GREEN

I’m a candle person, of course that’s stating the obvious. So, as I go through countless candles, (as many of you do also) , the question now is: what kind do I choose, Soy or Paraffin?

This has always been a heated topic, but now with fuel costs going through the roof and global warming heating up the atmosphere, this is a debate that has gotten quite a bit more intense. Personally I must first state that I use both and I don’t have an issue with either one.

But what are the facts? If I want to go GREEN what candle do I use, Soy or Paraffin?

True or False: Soy candles are 100% natural and therefore better for the environment.

FALSE: Soy beans are 100% natural. They come from the ground. But soy wax is NOT natural. Wax does not occur anywhere in nature, it comes from a chemical process. So in order to make a soy candle, the soy bean must go through a chemical process to convert it into wax. This doesn’t just mean that soy candles are not natural, it means…NO CANDLE IS 100% NATURAL.

True or False: Soy candles do not produce soot, so they are better for your health than Paraffin.

FALSE: All candles produce soot. It is chemically impossible to burn anything with fire and not have soot (gas, exhaust, etc.) going into the air. The reason you don’t see it, is because not all soot is black. Soy candles produce mostly white soot. Unfortunately, this is just as dangerous as black soot. But soy candles CAN produce soot just as thick and dark and black as any other candle. The amount and color of the soot is dependant on the wax, the wick, the scent, the color and the wind. Whether it is made from Paraffin, Soy or Palm wax.

Tips for minimizing soot and increasing your safety:
-Do not burn a candle in a drafty area
-Keep your wick trimmed
-Do not toss used matches into your candle

I’m not knocking Soy, I think it’s wonderful! Whatever candles you decide to use, burn them safely and often.

Tune in next time for more Soy vs. Paraffin trivia where we will discuss the topic “where in the world does wax come from?”

The wait is over! Announcing the new SPRING LINE!!

Ok Unique Escential fans– You asked for it… and you got it! Your 4 favorite scents from the Spring Fling Focus groups were….drum roll please….

Mango Papaya, Blackberry Grapefruit, Tangerine Twist & Gardenia! And which scent got the most votes to be offered year round

– Jasmine!

Your new spring/summer scents will be available in early April and we know you’re gonna love them! So which scents didn’t make the cut this spring?

Amber Cardamom
Harvest Berries
Freesia
Patchouli
& Rain

We know that you are UNIQUE, and that’s why we love you. So, if your favorite scents got voted out, DON’T WORRY. You can still place an order for these scents and we will be happy to accommodate you for just $0.50 more per item. Just shoot us an email with the subject “Special Order” and tell us what you want. We'd be happy to make your Special order, becasue U R Unique!

All items will be available for purchase in early April from either our EBAY store or Body Maintenance, Licensed Massage Therepists. Located on Mobile Ave., Columbia, SC.

Spring Fling Part II - A total success!

I love to hear from my customers! I love knowing what you think and why you think it. Having your input makes what I do worthwhile, which is why I am so excited about my focus groups.

This past Saturday we held our second focus group this year entitled “Spring Fling Part II”. Customers got to sniff, vote and decide which scents made the cut and which scents we need to cut out! We gave out door prizes, Isaac Goble, massage therapist from Body Maintenance gave $5 chair massages and everyone left with a free gift.

So what are the results…we can’t tell you yet. Tune in to next week to find out which scents we will keep year round, which ones will be our new seasonal scents, and which ones got the most votes. Our new line will be announced next week and ready for purchase in early April. I can hardly wait!

Would you like to join one of our foucs groups or trial parties? Do you want to decide what we sell? Send us an email and write in the title “Invite Me”, and we will send you an invitation for our next function.

Stay tuned for the results…..

Taking a bath will make you rich!!

Well not exactly...but close. According to US News who asked budgeting experts for advice on how to make ends meet during tough times without sacrificing too many of life's pleasures, #1 of their 8 tips was "Take bubble baths"!! The reasoning behind it: "If soaking in hot water doesn't cheer you up, find out what does, because it could stop you from wasteful splurges after a bad day. "Especially in times like these, it's very important for people...to find other ways... to make themselves feel better, whether it's tantric methods, meditation, Chinese balls, or bubble baths—just do what will not break the bank," says Ken McDonnell, program director at the American Savings Education Council.



So what have we learned today? Your boss is demanding, your car broke down and your mother wants to know why you aren't married yet... Don't go on a shopping spree or eat a tub of Rocky Road. Light a candle, slip into a hot tub, and save your wallet (and your waist line) in the end.