Organic & Natural News & Information | BsaB Candles

Soy Candle Review

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:05:06 +0000

This was a very nice soy candle review of our all natural soy candles. Thank you!

Organic Store Highlights BsaB Candles

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:17:37 +0000

It has been far too long since we last posted…we have been quite busy. Some exciting things have been happening. We are getting very close to offering some new soy candles which will also be one of a kind products.

One of our stores had a very nice display which we wanted to highlight-The 3 Graces. This great boutique store is located in Santa Monica, California and focuses on organic and all natural products. Our candles fit right in.

Healthy Candles for Families

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 01:25:44 +0000

You have heard stories about paraffin wax and cheap chemicals candles. A family in Virginia has experienced the deathly effect of these candles and now celebrating that they have found BsaB All-Natural Candles.

A family in Virginia wrote an email to BsaB Candles expressing their sincere appreciation for a candle product that is clean and healthy for their family and a time of need. In November a storm destroyed their home’s ductwork. Each day they were suffering the cold of 20-30 degrees “We could see breath in our bathroom on 3 mornings!” the mother said. When having a Christmas party the mother told friends that the part of the house were they would gather was freezing…(but it looked so cozy and pretty with bazillions of candles. This family were using many candles just to keep warm but one night their son started choking, coughing, and eyes burning, etc. and in horror the family all realized that the stories about paraffin and cheap chemical candles are unfortunately true. At the end of her email she explained “All I can say is Halleluja I found you after searching for a company using natural oil scents and soy! You can believe we will be ordering more and more”

Organic Baby in the Office

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:18:56 +0000

Organic Diapers

Our office manager, Sarah, just welcomed her first baby. We are very excited for her. In consideration of the new baby we wanted to offer some tips and advice on diapers and some of the great features organic diapers offer. Additionally, if you will be burning candles we recommend using chemical free candles such as BsaB Candles.

For mothers everywhere diapers are used constantly throughout the day. When the trend changed to disposable diapers instead of cloth diapers everyone thought it would be better. However, all those diapers end up in landfills which harms our environment.

In addition to the environmental concerns and savings, there are many other benefits to having organic diapers instead of disposable diapers. The comfort of the child is very important for the child and the parent. When the baby is happy, the parents are happy. Organic diapers are more absorbent which makes for a dry and comfortable baby all day long. Organic diapers also all-natural which means there is a lesser risk for rashes or irritations to the baby. Additionally, the cost of Organic diapers is less than disposable, making these a great option during these times of economic trouble. Lastly, organic diapers help the environment so you and your baby can be part of making this world a better place.

Using all-natural resource is always the best way to go even with baby diapers. What a difference this would make to our environment. Bsab Candles, manufacturer of all-natural candles, sees the benefits of using all-natural, organic products.

The benefits of organic diapers: comfort, cost, saving the environment. Helping our environment one step at a time

Using Candles in Your Office

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:59:18 +0000

The ambiance you create in your office and treatment rooms reflects who you are as a business and a massage therapist. Candles are one way of introducing both soft lighting and healing fragrance into your practice. Learn more about choosing and using candles safely.

by Linda Fehrs, LMT from Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

Candles have been around for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used reeds soaked in molten tallow made from animal suet for torches, while the Romans developed the wick candle, which made lighting safer and more portable and easier to use for travel at night, in homes and in places of worship.

In the Middle Ages, beeswax was used for candles. Beeswax did not produce the acrid odor or smoke like tallow, instead it burned clean and pure. But, beeswax candles were expensive and few people could afford them.

In the 18th century the most popular form of candle wax was derived from the sperm whale. The whale oil was crystallized into wax. It was harder than beeswax or tallow and did not soften or bend in hot weather.

In the mid 19th century it was discovered that paraffin could be made as a byproduct of the residues of refined petroleum products. It would burn clean and odorless. It was found that stearic acid, made from either animal or vegetable sources, could be added to counter paraffin’s low melting point and thus made it the popular and inexpensive candle we know today.

Comparison of Wax Choices
While paraffin is the most widely used material in the manufacturing of candles, it is not the only, nor necessarily the best choice. Each of the following waxes has their pros and cons.

Paraffin – Paraffin burns cleanly and scent free (this is highly debated and EPA studies have shown otherwise). While many would deride its relationship to the petroleum industry, paraffin, as it is used in candles, is considered to be biodegradable. Opponents claim that burning paraffin gives off toxic fumes similar to auto exhaust. Though paraffin candles are the least expensive, they also burn faster than other types of candles and need to be restocked more frequently.

Soy – Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, leftover from the processing of soy meal and soy products for human consumption (like tofu or soy milk). Soy may be mixed with other waxes for a smoother consistency. One drawback for some is the fact that most soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. If you want a soy candle that meets vegan standards, contains no Genetically Modified Organisms and does not rely on the petroleum industry, look for candles made of 100% organic soy. (like BsaB Candles)

Beeswax – Proponents of beeswax claim it burns brighter, longer and cleaner than any other candle wax. They also claim that beeswax is the only candle fuel to produce negative ions, which have been found to improve air quality air, enhance relaxation and even lessen the severity of asthma attacks. Beeswax candles also have a natural scent influenced by the nectar of the flowers the bees feed on. Opponents of beeswax feel that commercially raised bees are often treated badly and forced to overproduce beyond their natural proclivity causing a lot of stress within the hives.

All sources of candle fuel may be scented either with artificial fragrances, essential oils or a combination. Essential oils should be used in therapeutic settings to lessen the chances of allergic reactions in your clients.

Whatever type of candle you choose, perhaps one of the best places to purchase them is at a small, privately owned candle shop, where the candles are handmade and the owners are knowledgeable about the products they sell. It comes down to knowing and having confidence in your sources.

Candle Safety
If you choose to have traditional candles in your office or treatment room, here are a few safety precautions:

1. Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep it within sight at all times.

2. Burning candles should be kept away from any kind of air current such drafts, vents and fans.

3. Never put a lighted candle near anything that can catch fire, such as drapes, bedding, carpets, books, papers or wall hangings.

4. Always use a container or holder meant for use with candles. A candleholder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips.

5. Make sure the candle and holder are placed on a stable, heat resistant surface. A candle placed on a table that jiggles every time a truck goes by is not very safe.

6. Use a candlesnuffer to put out the flame. Blowing on the candle or using water to put it out may make the hot, melted wax splatter.

7. Trim wicks to approximately ¼ inch before lighting. A long wick can cause uneven burning and a sooty flame,

8. Make sure your room is well ventilated. Like any flame, a lit candle consumes oxygen, and while one candle in a large room may not pose a problem, many lit candles in a small room can.

Alternatives To Candles
It can get expensive to constantly replace candles. However, there are now many alternatives that can provide soft lighting, therapeutic scents or both.

Flameless Candles – These are usually made out of the same materials as traditional candles, some sort of wax with a wick. The difference is that buried somewhere within or at the base of the candle is a hollowed out space where a battery-operated light is placed. They come in all varieties of shapes and sizes. Some have added fragrances, some are on timers and some come with a remote control. They offer the same ambiance without the dangers.

Scent Diffusers – If you are using scent either therapeutically or as an air freshener, there are several ways to go. Scent diffusers come in many forms. There are light bulb rings in which you can place several drops of fragrance oil. There are steam diffusers and ceramic burners. One of the most popular items used is the reed diffuser, where several absorbent reads or sticks are placed in a small bottle of scented liquid. You can even simply place a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of water. As the water evaporates it will carry the scent with it.

The Final Decision
You may choose to offer soft lighting with candles or low wattage electric lighting. Or, you may choose to create a pleasant, even therapeutic scent in your office with candles or some other scent diffuser. Whatever you decide, always keep the comfort and safety of your clients in mind.

We really enjoyed this article, which was referred to us by one of our Spas.. www.sanctumtherapy.com. Thank you!

Other Candle Resources

“Candle Safety Rules.” National Candle Association. 31 Mar 2009 www.candles.org/safety_rules.html.

“Elements of a Candle.” National Candle Association. 31 Mar 2009 http://www.candles.org/elements_wicks.html.

How to Make Soy Wax | Soybean to Candle

admin — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:33:51 +0000

How to Make Soy Wax

Soy wax is a natural wax derived from the sustainable soybean plant. Today we want to discuss how soy wax is made. From the soybean to soy wax to soy candles.

Soybean or soya bean plants are legume plants native to Asia. China has been using the plant for food and medicine for over 5,000 years. Soy contains essential amino acids and is a good source of protein and is often used as a dairy substitute. Soybean oil is a large source of “vegetable oil” worldwide. The main countries in the world that now grow soybean plants are the US, China, India, Brazil and Argentina.

Soybeans come in many sizes and colors including black, brown, yellow, gray and green. Soybeans are used for many foods and are a large part of many Asians diet with foods such as Tofu, soybean paste and seasonings. The soybean oil can be used to make a variety of things such as soaps, cosmetics, inks etc. The soy plant is a hearty plant that grows well in climates with hot summers and can grow in a wide variety of soil types. This plant is 100% sustainable and can grow on almost every continent.

Soybeans to Soy Wax

Before soywax is made we need soybean oil. The most common method of obtaining soy oil and subsequent soy flour is through a method of oil extraction involving rolling the clean dehulled soybeans into flakes and the oil is extracted and refined leaving the soybeans to be made into flour or meal. The oil is then hydrogenated which turns the oil into a wax. Hydrogenation is basically where poly and mono-saturated oils are solidified by temporarily mixing hydrogen with the soy oil at an elevated temperature through a special proprietary process. Once hydrogenated the soy oil is now soy wax. Pure soy wax is white or slightly off-white. 100% soy wax is even safe for consumption, although not recommended.

Soy Wax to Candles

The soy wax can then be used to make all natural clean burning soy candles.

So, that is the process…soybean to soy candle…isn’t it wonderful!

Natural Soy Candles & Natural Beeswax Candles

admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:11:23 +0000

Candles come in many shapes and sizes and as we’ve discussed before not all candles nor their ingredients are equal. So, what makes a candle natural and what is a natural soy candle? These are great questions and questions which need to be addressed…

What is a natural candle or natural soy candle? There are 4 main elements we like to consider when it comes to natural candles…Wax, Wick, Scent, & Presentation.

Natural Wax: Let’s start with Wax. In order for a candle to be natural the wax should be from 100% natural waxes such as soy or beeswax. We also suggest making sure the wax is sustainable. Most candles on the US market are made using Petroleum-based waxes which don’t burn very clean. Would you burn gasoline in your house? Here is a link for more wax information.

Natural Wicks: Wicks are often overlooked when considering candles. Wicks should be made of 100% natural fibers, cotton is usually the best option. Because the fibers are fine most wicks are reinforced with another material. This is very important as this material is burning too. Be sure to choose wicks reinforced with natural paper (or other fiber) filaments and not metals. Some candles use lead reinforcements. You wouldn’t burn lead in your room would you?

Natural Scents: In addition to improving ambience in a room candles are often used for aromatherapy and to scent a room. The scent of a candle is important and shouldn’t be overlooked. Most, about 90%, of candle manufacturers use chemical fragrances to scent their candles. We’ve looked at some of the ingredients for these chemicals and many are potentially dangerous and even hazardous. Most companies use chemicals because they are far cheaper than essential oils. We always suggest using 100% essential oils made entirely from plants. When it comes to scented candles there really is no other way.

Natural Presentation: Presentation says a lot about a candle and the manufacturer. It is important to support companies that use natural packaging and recycled materials. We suggust using 100% soy ink for printing, natural glues, biodegradable plastics and organic cotton materials. Packaging is a simple way to tell a lot about a company.

It is no secret that we offer some of the finest Natural Soy Candles and Natural Beeswax Candles in the world and hopefully the above information helps you when buying candles for your home, office, or spa. We appreciate your comments and suggestions for improvement. Thank you!

Clean Energy Candles using Wind Power & Solar Energy

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:55:51 +0000

We at BsaB Candles are very proud of the fact that we are in the process of developing our new creation center in Thailand which will be 100% solar powered. One of, perhaps even the first 100% solar powered manufacturing facility in Thailand. We pride ourselves in reusing all we can and trying to help keep the earth clean for future generations. Why not have Organic & All Natural Candles made using renewable energy…now that is sustainable and that is what we call a “Clean Green Candle.”

Making candles using renewable ingredients and using renewable energy is the way of BsaB and hopefully the way of the future. It is amazing how many companies market themselves as “green” or “natural” but are really only partially so… “soy blend” or “essential oils used” are some of the most common marketing ploys in the candle world.

This video is a great video explaining a bit about Wind Energy and some of the exciting developments happening in Europe with ocean based wind-farms.

Truly amazing technology and definitely something we embrace. Whether you are looking for your store, spa, office or home it is nice to know when you use BsaB’s All Natural Candles you help yourself, others and the earth. Something you and others can enjoy forever and ever.

Essential Oils, Candles, & Chemical Fragrances

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:29:20 +0000

This article was written for the Organic Trade Association…enjoy!

Essential Oils and the Chemical Fragrance Fraud: The Truth Behind the Fine Print
Contributed by BsaB Candles

Fragrances have been used throughout history with our earliest record dating back to the early Egyptians who used aromatic balms in their religious ceremonies.

These fragrances were most likely obtained by seeping the leaves and petals of plants into olive oil to create a perfumed emollient. In the late 19th century, advances in chemistry opened the door to the chemical perfumes we know today. The costliness of plant essential oils motivated chemists to mimic naturally occurring scents with chemical formulas. These less-expensive chemical perfumes quickly made their way into almost every household product from laundry detergent and dish soap to facial crèmes and candles. Because of the external nature of these products, the FDA does not require them to list the fragrances used. In fact, many of these products have added fragrances that are not listed on their labels or, for personal use products, are listed only as “fragrance” in theingredient column. But in the search for green and organic alternatives, the debacle behind these chemical fragrances is finally being brought to light. In 1986, The National Academy of Sciences reported that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic and chemical fragrances are derived from petroleum and include carcinogenic materials. Many of these chemicals can have adverse side effects including cancer, birth defects, headaches and dizziness. To further support this startling conclusion, the EPA released a separate study in 2001 reporting that synthetic and chemical fragrances were shown to cause “possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects.” And the fact that manufacturers are not required to disclose exactly what goes into their fragrances means the consumer will never know if that fragrance contains carcinogenic petroleum or not.

The petroleum nature of most chemical fragrances is particularly important in the world of scented candles. When a candle is melted, everything that goes into that candle is converted into fumes that infuse the air and subsequently fills your lungs. A lighted candle can change the ambiance of any room and fill the air with reminiscent aromas such as citrus, cinnamon, or the all-time favorite lavender. Candle fragrances, based in petroleum and designed to mimic nature, often cause headaches, but the sought - after ambiance created by a lit candle keeps these small luxuries in our homes, on our gift lists, and in our family traditions. The natural alternative to chemical fragrances is pure essential oils. Essential oils come from plants, making these ingredients naturally renewable, sustainable, and earth-friendly. Additionally, essential oils have aromatherapy properties that have been used for thousands of years to increase health and well-being. So by choosing only 100% essential oil fragrances, you can eliminate harmful chemicals and add natural aromatherapy at the same time. Companies trying to capitalize on the green revolution may use partial essential oils so they can say that their item is “made with essential oils” but never tell you the exact amount or whether the fragrances is 100% essential oil or a blend. As consumers concerned about health and about the environment, we should seek out candles that use only 100% essential oils.

For these reasons, BsaB Candles only uses only 100% essential oils with aromatherapy properties to fragrance their candles. The result of 100% essential oils mixed with 100% non-GMO soy wax is a beautiful home accent that can change the mood of any room. Additionally, using aromatherapy essential oils means you can choose your candle based on what mood you would like to create or what personal relief (such as stress-relief or comfort) you would like to experience.
The organic movement that is enriching the lives of individuals throughout the earth has assisted fragrances in coming full circle. Returning to essential oils means we are returning to our roots—literally.

Biodegradable Corn Plastic (PLA)

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:00:34 +0000

Here at BsaB Candles we use all natural and organic ingredients both in our products and in our packaging. For example our Bamboo Candles are covered with a thin PLA biodegradable plastic film adhered to the bamboo using an all natural glue. We have recieved several questions about our biodegradable plastic made from corn so we’ve decided to write about this today.

What is Biodegradable Plastic, PLA, or Corn Plastic?

This is a very valid and reasonable question. Did we just say plastic from corn not from oil? We sure did. Before we go into the biodegradable aspect of plastics it if important that we understand a bit about plastics.

First off plastics are amazing and have revolutionized the way our world works (for good and bad). Plastics can be found just about everywhere…our clothes (polyester, nylons, foams, glasses), cars (seats, seat-belts, dashboard, doors), houses (carpet, some paints, carpet padding, furniture), food (packaging, packaging, packaging), businesses (computers, printers, chairs), etc etc. Plastics can be found all over. Truly a versatile product, but it comes with many disadvantages as well.

The problem is that plastics are made from petroleum through chemical processes which use a lot of energy and cause much pollution. Plastics are also a non-renewable resource. And last but not least plastics are practically indestructable in that they take thousands and thousands of years to biodegrate or decompose (if they ever really do). Literally, Tons of Plastics are dumped into our landfills year after year, constantly building up and polluting our earth. In the Oceans there are massive ”floating landfills” with millions and millions of plastic bottles, bags and other plastic packaging. (For these and many more reasons it was an easy choice for BsaB Candles to use only 100% biodegradable plastics.)

It is easy to see the potential benefits from biodegradable plastics….but how is it done? “Corn plastic has been around for 20 years, but the polymer was too expensive for broad commercial applications until 1989, when Patrick Gruber, then a Cargill chemist looking for new ways to use corn, invented a way to make the polymer more efficiently. Working with his wife, also a chemist, he created his first prototype PLA products on his kitchen stove. In the beginning, it cost $200 to make a pound of PLA; now it’s less than $1.” source:Smithsonian The science behind the biodegradable plastic or PLA as it is called (polylactic acid) doesn’t seem very hard but it is the scaleability which makes it difficult. There were many problems with stability during the begining research stages. Whole containers of PLA had to be thrown-away (luckily it’s biodegradable) because the PLA couldn’t withstand high temperatures and would melt or warp in transit.

Ok already…So how is it made? The actual process is very cool, but perhaps the easiest way to see and learn for yourself is to direct you to a video about the PLA production.

Biodegradable Plastic Isn’t a Cure-All

We are anxious to see more use of biodegradable plastics and packaging and are excited to see new greener technologies emerge as well. PLA doesn’t fix our problems it is true as pointed out by TheDailyGreen here but they sure could help with future landfill waste.