I had never really thought about the ingredients in the innumerable candles that have made their way into my home over the years. I just knew that I absolutely loved the smell, and that they relaxed me in a way that rivaled even a vintage cabernet. My blissfully ignorant state of mind continued until the day that I began making those candles.

My first candles were paraffin, and they smelled absolutely incredible! But why the ugly black soot around the rim? If that soot was so visible to the naked eye, what was I breathing in? As a nurse I am always conscious of environmental components that can have a damaging effect on our health. I began to research and found that paraffin is derived from crude oil, and emits eleven toxins currently documented by The American Lung Association. Well that explained it!

I began working on a new formulation that consisted of a natural wax that comes from renewable sources. It burns cleaner, and is biodegradable unlike its paraffin counterparts, making it somewhat safe for disposal in landfills. One of the most important aspect of natural wax? It stimulates our economy, because its produced right here in the United States of America.

Choosing to purchase candles made from a natural wax is one way that we can choose a healthier life style without giving up the scents that we love so much.

Angela Montondo

www.downsouthcandles.com