Creating a cosy, fragrant home shouldn't come at the cost of your family's wellbeing right? Ellie here, and as someone who's passionate about creating a healthy home that's good for people and the planet, I've spent countless hours researching the impact of synthetic fragrances on our wellbeing. What I've discovered might surprise you! Read on Go For Zero fam…

Why We Need to Talk About Candle Safety

Let's be real - there's nothing quite like the cosy ambiance of a flickering candle. But while conventional scented candles might make your space smell amazing, research shows they could be releasing some not-so-amazing things into your air. A recent study found that many scented candle users experience health issues like headaches (15.2%), shortness of breath (8.9%), and coughing (7.8%). Yikes!

Understanding Indoor Air Quality and Candles

If there is only one thing you take away from this blog let it be this: when we burn conventional scented candles, we're often releasing a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into our homes.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that quickly evaporate into the air at room temperature due to their high vapour pressure and low boiling points. They are found in many household products, industrial processes, and natural environments. VOCs can significantly impact air quality and health.

Even more concerning? Scientists have found that these chemicals can continue changing in the air after being released, potentially becoming even more toxic.

What Makes Some Candles Problematic?

Let's break down the main issues we need to watch out for:

1. Paraffin Wax
   These petroleum-based candles are some of the most common on the market, but they're essentially bringing fossil fuel burning right into your home. Research shows they can release potentially harmful chemicals during burning and create significantly more soot than natural alternatives.
   
   
2. Synthetic Fragrances
   Those magical scents might not be so magical after all. Many synthetic fragrances contain undisclosed chemical compounds (often protected as 'trade secrets'), which can trigger respiratory issues and headaches. Studies show these fragrances can release VOCs even when the candle isn't burning.
   
   
3. Poor Quality Wicks
   The wick might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Low-quality wicks can produce excess soot, fail to burn cleanly and significantly impact your indoor air quality. This is especially concerning in smaller spaces where pollutants can concentrate more easily.

The Natural Alternative: What to Look For

Here's what research shows we should look for in a safer candle:

1. Natural Waxes: Choose candles made from coconut-soy or beeswax bases. These natural alternatives burn cleaner, last longer and come from renewable resources rather than petroleum. Plus, they typically produce less soot and fewer pollutants during burning.
2. Pure Essential Oils: Skip the synthetic fragrances and opt for candles scented with pure essential oils. Not only do you get aromatherapy benefits, but you're also avoiding the unknown cocktail of chemicals often hidden in artificial fragrances.
3. Quality Wicks: Look for wood or cotton wicks that are properly sized for the container. These burn cleaner and more efficiently than cheaper alternatives, reducing soot and ensuring a more even burn throughout the candle's life.

Australian Made, Non-Toxic Candles 

When I received a sample of Amavasya, a hand-made all natural candle brand, I was literally bouncing with excitement. They don't only smell AMAZING, they are by far the most sustainable and transparent candle brand I have seen. Their candles represent everything we're all about at Go For Zero:

• 100% pure essential oils (almost a shot glass worth in each candle! So yes, they smell amazing.)
• Clean-burning coconut-soy wax blend
• Sustainable wooden wicks
• Zero waste refillable system
• Australian handcrafted and owned
• Pretty amber glass
• Donates a portion of profits to carbon removal projects

You can see their range here.

Making the Switch to Safer Scents

While we don't need to panic about occasional candle use, being mindful about our choices makes sense for both our health and our planet. As Dr. Svetlana Stevanovic from Deakin University notes, "Around one-third of our population is generally sensitive to these volatile organic compounds of scents”.

The good news is that you don't have to choose between a beautifully scented home and a healthy one. With our newAmavasya candle collection, you're getting the best of both worlds - luxury fragrances that are truly good for you and our planet.

Ready to experience the difference of pure essential oil candles?Check out our new Amavasya range - I can't wait to hear what you think!

With love and clean air, Ellie x