Day 4

The first real issue we have come across was the actual candles. After a few nights of burning candles we realized that they burn fairly quickly, and we then became concerned that fast burning candles would end up costing us more in the long run than using the lights. After all, a project such as this requires at least three big candles to effectively light a room. So this prompted to us to do some research into candles to see if there were some out there that burnt longer than others. We also were prompted to start conserving our candles, so were just burning one at a time if possible...during our research we found out some cool stuff!

Beeswax!!! We quickly found the answer to our problem. Beeswax candles burn brighter, warmer, slower, and way cleaner. In fact beeswax candles are actually a natural air purifier. Air contains billions of electrically charged  ions which can affect our capacity to absorb oxygen, and therefore cause powerful effects on our health and well being. Too many positive ions can make a person feel sick and they are loaded down with pollution and allergens that are drawn to them and suspended in the air. Your common everyday paraffin candles actually produce these positive ions..no bueno. However negative ions, which are produced by beeswax candles, actually remove the pollution and allergens from positive ions!!

The problem with this news is that beeswax candles are initially expensive. On average it looks like they are about ten dollars more than regular. But when Lindz and I considered the money we would save in the long run, and then researched the potential health risks of burning normal paraffin candles (which include cancer causing agents and allergens), we decided we needed to make the switch.

So we have one fairly small beeswax candle to start with, and from there we are working on finding wholesale beeswax so we can make our own candles! It is amazing how much light we are getting from this rather small, slow burning beeswax candle. Also, in case your wondering, another good alternative to paraffin is soy.