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Burning the Beeswax at Both Ends

Here in the middle of Week 3 of nonstop business travel, I have to admit to feeling a bit burnt out.  I need a vacation.

Bizarrely, my thoughts keep turning to my ex's family's summer home. They owned these little islands in the middle of one of the Great Lakes in Canada, where they built lovely sleeping cottages and a large living-dining area - sort of like a small-scale, high-end summer camp. Nearly impossible to explain, but the place was idyllic and tranquil and dreamy - no consistent electricity or running water, so we lived on candlelight and fresh air.

One of my favorite things about time spent there were the raucous, delicious dinners we'd chef up in the dining hall...and the fantastic all-natural chandelier suspended from the ceiling. We'd take sheets of honey-combed beeswax and roll our own candles, and fit them into that chandelier. Hoisted up, it gave off a sweet scent and even sweeter light.

-Heather...off to plan for a real vacation in a month or so...
Posted by: tmeronek on 09/27/2007
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Lynda  on September 27, 2007 at 08:06 AM 1
I'm an avid biter and look forward to my daily dose. But I have to speak up on this beeswax business. I understand that beeswax is the green way to go, but what about the recent major decrease in the bee population? Does that affect the "greenness" of using beeswax? Curious if anyone has solid info on this. Thanks.
Jon  on September 27, 2007 at 08:30 AM 2
Harvesting beeswax and honey from hives is a totally sustainable practice which does not negatively affect the hive.The Bee plight is due to many factors including but not limited to: industrial agriculture's use of time-release pesticides, a nasty mite which takes over hives and most recently discovered, a virus which weakens their immune system. Bee health is critical to Bee farmers main crop, honey. They do everything they can to keep their hives thriving.
Mel  on September 27, 2007 at 08:40 AM 3
What's this about Soy allergens in candles? Aren't you splicing your data here? People are allergic to eating soy, not burning it! It's as ridiculous as saying that Food Grade Paraffin, which is "safe" to spray on apples, isn't toxic when burned. STOP SPLICING!
Melissa  on September 27, 2007 at 06:47 PM 4
Allergies to Soy Wax? Who EATS Soy Wax? I agree, ridiculous analogy! Plus- beeswax isn't VEGAN!! Go Soy! Go Soy!
Another Jen  on September 27, 2007 at 11:56 PM 5
According to an old Bite (actually, the blog from October 26, 2006), people who are allergic to soy should stay away from EVERYTHING soy. Eating something isn't the only way to have an allergic reaction, you know. I can't say that I've researched it, because I don't have a soy allergy, but the sources they cited were a book (?) by Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, called “The Whole Soy Story,” and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health. If I had a soy allergy, I wouldn't risk my health by burning soy candles.
Idealbite Team Member tmeronek   on September 28, 2007 at 10:31 AM 6
Hi Mel, None of us on the Biter team have soy allergies, so we gotta defer to the experts - according to the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (a pro-soy organization), "Anyone allergic to soy will probably have to avoid all soy products...Soy meal and oil is utilized in a number of industrial products, including inks, soap, cosmetics, etc. One has to read labels extremely carefully and if in doubt about a particular ingredient, contact the manufacturer. Most products have an address and/or phone number on them." Of course, if you do have a soy allergy, your best bet is to ask your doc directly if s/he thinks you can tolerate soy candles.
Jon  on September 28, 2007 at 10:50 AM 7
Vegans and Beeswax. I think the vegan lifestyle in wonderful. It's low impact and environmentally sustainable but when vegans bash beeswax I have to chuckle. The bee-beekeeper relationship is mutually beneficial in so many ways. Maybe it is my ignorance about the vegan ethos but it sounds like another fundamentalist belief system applied to broadly. P.S. I love this blog thing, it's thoroughly addicting.
Annrico1  on September 28, 2007 at 11:30 AM 8
What better -- soy or bees wax candles?
Water Filters  on October 16, 2007 at 02:53 AM 9
Water filters are essential for healthy living. The human body is 70% water, and it is important that you replenish your body's supply with eight glasses of purified water each day. This will lead to a healthy body and a better quality of life. http://www.cleansewater.com
bibby  on December 17, 2008 at 02:48 PM 10
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