This commitment to change has already been made by Mission Australia as we strive to be not only socially responsible, but also environmentally responsible.
We know we won’t turn ourselves into a “green machine” overnight, but each small step we make takes us further along the path and builds a groundswell of support that drives further improvements.
For many people, Earth Hour is a great opportunity to get re-acquainted with the charm of candles. What is probably not as widely known is your choice of candle can also have an impact on the environment - so here is a quick guide:
There are four main types of candles: paraffin, soy, palm and beeswax. Although paraffin accounts for approximately 90% of the world’s candle sales, it is the worst of the four options from an environmental perspective. It’s made from crude oil, releases soot and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air and doesn’t burn as long as the other three options.
As agricultural crops, both soy and palm wax have an advantage over paraffin, however increasing amounts of soy and substantial amounts of palm oil come from once-lush rainforests that have been cleared to plant these crops. The destruction of this habitat is a major cause in the decline of orangutans and several other species in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Beeswax is sourced from a natural process, doesn’t encourage deforestation, generates minimal carbon emissions and can improve the air we breathe. It’s an obvious winner followed by soy (as long as you know where it comes from), then palm candles.
Let’s hope that this year’s Earth Hour will spark lasting change both at home and across the globe.
Story from Anthony Ogilvie, Mission Australia’s Sustainability Manager
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