06/09/2010 (Meta Efficient) - Most candles commonly found in households are made using low-grade paraffin (a petroleum by-product). They contain many impurities which are emitted into the air as the candle burns. These low-quality candles also tend to use wicks which are made with a metal core like zinc or possibly lead. This is not optimal. A good alternative to parafin-based candles are ones mad with palm oil, soy oil or beeswax. Soy oil is not as optimal as palm oil because it tends to come from non-organic genetically modified soy beans. We like Aloha Bay Candles, because they are made with virgin palm oil extracted without solvents. We tested these candles and they burn very bright and clean.

They also burn longer than paraffin-based candles — about 1 to 2 hours longer on average.

The wicks are high-grade cotton, braided and treated to burn efficiently. The scents used in the candles are 100% pure essential oils.

The prices of the candles are comparable to conventional paraffin candles, about $1 per taper candle for example. They are fair-traded from a co-operative in Java.