Chanukah is the festival of lights and usually involves many sources of light, including candles, menorahs or electric ornaments. Classic paraffin candles that are utilized in most menorahs and Chanukah light displays are typically made from petroleum byproducts. Thus, they are non-renewable and add to the hazards of the petroleum industry. Natural choices for your menorah or decorations like soy, palm oil, or beeswax that are made from a variety of renewable ingredients, are out there. These natural choices are healthier to have in the home, as paraffin yields the same soot as burning diesel fuel does when it burns. The air contaminants from paraffin fumes include toluene, benzene, naphthalene, and methyl ethyl keytone, which are the same substances that are found in paint and varnish removers. You can avoid all of this by using natural candle choices.
The burning of any candle, whether natural or synthetic, yields a small fraction of carbon dioxide. Every menorah that burns produces an estimated 15 grams of carbon dioxide. Collectively, this adds up to a significant amount of candle-burning over one Chanukah season. Due to this fact, many people are opting for electric menorahs as an alternative to burning candles. When using electric menorahs, ...