if you're a girl and reading this, you more than likely share in the love of scented candles that afflicts most females. We collect them, purchase them at often astronomical prices, and love to just perouse the stores and smell them.

But they're not all roses and sunshine (or peachy, or strawberry-shortcake, or vanilla).. Regular old candles consist of wax made from petroleum (an environmental threat in itself) and release soot- carcogenic soot- into the air after burning, which certainly isn't good for the indoor air quality of your home or, in turn, your health. But there is an alternative available- perhaps not so widely, but easy enough to find, anyhow- soy candles.

Made from soy wax, the candles are a great deal better for the planet than ones made from oil, and, as an added benefit, doesn't release any of the soot that paraffin wax candles do- making them far better for your health. Also, most soy candles are produced by companies who have environmental responsibility in mind and therefore utilize recycled paper and lead-free wicks.

Let's just say that soy-candles are an all-around better choice.

(Also, if you are a non-candle buying male, relay the information on to a candle-purchasing friend or relative!)

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