Why DIY Candle Making Is Better for the Environment

If you're looking for fun indoor activities to try in 2022, candle-making classes in San Francisco make for the perfect self care evening. Instead of spending your precious pennies and pocket change on expensive mass-produced candles, why not learn how to make candles at home? 

For people who are eager to do their part to help decrease waste and improve the environment, making DIY candles is a small but mighty step. By making small changes in our daily lives, we’re able to make a big difference. The production of wax is not only harmful to the environment but may also be toxic to our health. What’s more, the overuse of single-use glassware is fast becoming an easy thing to change in our day-to-day lives. With our candle-making classes in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll be able to connect with local makers and discover the eco-friendly and sustainable step-by-step process of creating candles from scratch.

Natural wax is the way to go!

While scented candles might smell nice, they are far from all-natural. Many mass-produced candles are created using paraffin wax, a by-product of fossil fuels like petroleum, which is used in the production of cosmetics and food. Paraffin wax has also been known to release small amounts of chemicals when you burn it, so next time you pick up a deliciously scented candle at a major retailer, take a moment to think about what it might be doing to your body and the environment.

Once you gain an awareness of the chemical components of most store-bought candles, chances are you might not feel so comfortable having mysterious chemicals wafting through the air in your home. Head along to a candle-making class and you’ll learn all about the eco-friendly choices you can make when creating your own candle from scratch. With natural waxes more accessible than ever, it’s easy to get your hands on some soy, rapeseed, coconut, or beeswax that will burn cleanly and alleviate your worries (and any indoor air pollution). There have even been some reports that beeswax can actually help purify the air in your home, so why not test it out for yourself in a candle making class! 

Recycle and reuse

When you think about all the glass jars from food products that you have tossed in the trash over the years, it probably adds up to a lot! Think about how many candles you could’ve made from all of that recyclable glassware! It’s much better for the environment to upcycle any glass or porcelain items for your DIY candle-making, and it might save you a couple of extra dollars too! How many of us have actually taken one of our store-bought candle receptacles and upcycled it for a different purpose? Don’t worry, now is your chance to shine! By joining in on a short candle-making class, you’ll not only learn how to make eco-conscious decisions in your DIY crafting journey, but you’ll also feel inspired to try out your new candle-making skills at home with upcycled jars you would have otherwise thrown away! DIY candles are the perfect way to start making little changes to the way you live your everyday life, and also help reduce single-use glassware too. Once you’ve started making your own candles, you’ll always be keeping an eye out for some glassware that you could upcycle and use for your next DIY project! Just make sure you’re not pouring your wax into any plasticware such as tea light holders, as it might morph the container.

Not only are candle-making classes a fabulous way to get yourself practicing some more environmentally-friendly habits, but these classes also make the best gifts for her or alternative bachelorette party ideas for an eco-conscious bride! Not only will you give them the give of creativity, but you can also take home your creations to enjoy too! 

Natural candle scenting 

Don't worry - just because your DIY candle is all-natural doesn't mean it has to be scent-free. You can create amazingly scented wax by using natural ingredients like essential oils, allowing you to steer clear of any synthetic scents and reap the therapeutic benefits of these fragrant blends! Essential oils are the perfect additive to any candle, whether you’re looking for a soothing lavender or a musky cedarwood you’ll be able to achieve a clean, toxin-free finished candle. Affordable and easily accessible, essential oils are 100% natural and are made by distilling aromatic flowers and plants.

Keep in mind that essential oils, although eco-friendly, aren’t necessarily always sustainable. Tree oils such as sandalwood and cedarwood often need a higher volume of materials to be able to produce a smaller amount of oil. When you’re thinking about scenting your candles, try and make eco-friendly and sustainable choices by using essential oils such as lavender, which have a high yield.

Know what’s in your candle

You'll feel empowered knowing all the ingredients that went into your homemade candles. Why not learn the step-by-step process to create your own from a local expert at one of our candle-making classes in SF. Not only will you gain some new skills to create DIY candles at home, but you’ll also be informed enough to make more sustainable and eco-friendly choices in your craft-making pursuits. 

It's a great feeling to learn a new homesteading skill that you can do on your own. You'll save money in the long run and feel good knowing you are doing your part to help the environment. Candle making is a fabulous activity for any creative who is looking to make more eco-conscious decisions that will benefit them in the long run. Not only will you get to explore scenting natural wax, but you’ll also get to reap the rewards of your creativity too! Learn from local artisans and discover the bright and wonderful craft of candle making in one of our in-person classes. Light up one of your creations when you get home after a long day at work, and unwind as you feel the calming ambiance blanket the room!