Introduction

I've stated before why Candledales exclusively uses coconut wax before, and you can read why here. Both soy wax and coconut wax have great burning qualities, just like any other wax on the market. It's even been debunked that paraffin wax contains toxins. The number one reason why Candledales uses coconut wax is the sustainability factor. This blog is going to dive into whether or not soy wax is better for the environment than other waxes, but more specifically looking at soy crop production.

Deforestation

The major issue that soy wax poses to the environment is the fact that hectares of trees are being cut down to make room for soy farms. Deforestation is a major environmental concern, and one of the leading causes of this destruction is the cultivation of soy crops.

Soybeans are a versatile crop that can be used for food, animal feed, and biofuels, making them a lucrative commodity for farmers around the world. However, the high demand for soybeans has led to the clear-cutting of vast swaths of forest land, particularly in South America.

According to 8billiontrees.com, the second main cause of deforestation is grazing and feeding live stock. 

Deforestation in South America

Brazil is the world's largest producer of soybeans, and the majority of these crops are grown in the Amazon rainforest. As farmers clear land to make way for soy fields, they are destroying one of the world's most biodiverse regions, as well as the homes of indigenous communities. The destruction of the Amazon rainforest also contributes to climate change, as the forest acts as a carbon sink, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide.

In addition to the environmental consequences, soy production also has negative social and economic impacts. The displacement of indigenous communities and small farmers, and the use of pesticides and herbicides in soy cultivation, can lead to health and economic problems for local populations.

Finding Solutions

There are solutions to this problem, however. One approach is to promote sustainable soy production methods, such as agroforestry, which combines crop cultivation with tree planting. This method not only preserves the forest and its biodiversity, but also improves soil fertility and crop yields.

Another solution is to shift consumer demand away from soy and towards alternative protein sources. Plant-based meat alternatives and insect-based protein are possible solutions which are more sustainable and do not require clearing of large areas of forest.

Conclusion

Through my research I have found that soy wax doesn't make a significant percentage of soy crop yield. Soy crops in general do make up a large percentage of the reason deforestation is taking place. As an individual, I have to remind myself that even though making small changes in my spending habits might not make a huge difference, but if everyone were to make these small changes, it would have a big impact. 

For this reason, every Candledale product is made with coconut wax. In hopes that small changes to roll into big impacts. I do like to help reinforce this small change by planting a tree for every product sold. Candledales planted over 1000+ trees in 2022, and I plan to plant even more in 2023. 

Cover image by: Meredith Petrick