Can Candles Be Eco-Friendly? What to Look for When Shopping

Not all candles are created equal. Deliciously Wickt breaks down what makes a candle eco-friendly—from wax type to wick and packaging—so you can shop sustainably.

Candles bring warmth, light, and a touch of luxury—but can they be eco-friendly, too? The short answer: absolutely. But (and it’s a big but), not every candle on the shelf deserves that label. Here’s how to spot an eco-friendly candle and what Deliciously Wickt does to make sure our candles are kind to the planet and your home.

1. Start with the wax. Eco-friendly wax means it comes from renewable sources and burns cleanly. Soy wax (like we use) is biodegradable and plant-based, unlike paraffin, which is a byproduct of petroleum.

2. Check the wick. Some cheap candles still use metal-core wicks (yikes). A clean-burning candle uses 100% cotton or wood wicks—both are natural, safe, and burn evenly.

3. Keep an eye on the fragrance. We only use high-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils, tested on humans and never animals. These provide long-lasting scent without releasing harsh chemicals. Basically, you get the vibes without the toxins.

4. Think about packaging. Eco-conscious candles don’t stop at the wax. At Deliciously Wickt, we use recyclable glass jars and encourage reuse (because who doesn’t love a good upcycle?).

5. Buy small, buy local. Supporting Canadian makers means shorter supply chains, less shipping waste, and more love poured into every jar. Plus, your money stays right here in Ontario. So yes, candles can be eco-friendly—you just have to know what to look for. Or, you know, make it easy and shop with Deliciously Wickt. We’ve already done the homework (and the pouring) for you.