Small Green Flare: Soy Candles

With all the hype on Target going green with numerous products, I had to mention them again for a second time to compliment my organic sheets.

Soy is all around us-- soy milk, soy beans, soy clothing. Recently, I was doing my usual drive by at Target and decided to browse the dollar bins at the front of the store. And what did I find? Method Soy Candles for a buck! It was quite amazing. I then decided that I'd browse the home section and came across bamboo candles that are made out of 90% vegetable wax. I bought a few of the method candles and a bamboo candle, and I must say that I'm pleased with their burning abilities and scents. Plus, what better way decorate any room in your house than with candles-- simple, right?


Why burn soy wax instead of regular candles that contain paraffin wax?
According to Greenspace Candles, soy wax is non-toxic, burns cleaner and longer, originates from a renewable source and is biodegradable. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, contains petroleum. Petroleum smoke contains carcinogenic toxins and produces black soot, is not a renewable source and contributes to polluting the air and global warming.

Besides adding a green flare to a room in your home, burning soy candles is not only better for the environment, but better for you. For more information on smoke and soot produced from candles made out of petroluem,check out the report that the Environmental Protection Agency produced on the reduction of soot.

Burn wisely, happy decorating!

Save the Earth in Your Sleep

As a full time student, family member, friend and worker, sleep is but a nice thought at times. When I do get the chance to take a "power" nap, or a good, full night's rest, I like to do so comfortably. And what better way to sleep and feel good while catching my Zzzz's? Organic sheets.

I recently took a stroll down Target's bed and bath aisles and came across organic sheets in a bag, ranging from $39-59. The bag said that the sheets contained/were:

- 100% organically grown cotton fiber
- ecofriendly dyes
- 250 thread count
- produced in an IMO certified facility

So, I thought I'd give the sheets a try and bought a set-- the white one to be exact. Let me tell you, even though they're only 250 thread count, they are extremely comfortable. After my firsts night sleep on them, I can honestly say that I woke up after 8 straight hours of sleep, feeling great. I guess knowing that I contributed to the environment, even if it was through sheets, made my sleep that much better.

But back to the sheets, or more importantly, organic cotton...


Organic fibers, or one specifically, organic cotton is one of the most popular fibers out in the eco-friendly market today. Not only can organic cotton be made into sheets, but other products such as clothing, towels and makeup removal pads.

According to the
Organic Trade Association:

"In 2003, organic fiber sales in the United States grew by 22.7 percent over the previous year, to reach $85 million, according to the Organic Trade Association's 2004 Manufacturer Survey. Sales of organic women's clothing during that period grew by 33.6 percent, while organic infant's clothing and diaper sales grew 20.5 percent. Sales of organic men's clothing grew by 11 percent, and children's and teens clothing sales grew by 15.8 percent. Meanwhile, sales of organic sheets and towels grew by 17.9 percent, and those for organic mattresses and pillows increased 8.3 percent."

Grown in soil that reduces toxic pesticides, organic cotton has a low-impact on the environment, but adds to the large production impact for everyday, eco-friendly items.

So, sleep well, sleep organically!