Candle Refills: A Product That Actually Does Better for the Planet

Three cylindrical candle refill kits next to two candles on a surface against a gray wall

When we talk about “clean candles,” we usually focus on what the candle is made of. Natural waxes like soy or coconut are often praised over paraffin, which comes from petroleum. And yes, choosing natural wax has clear benefits: cleaner burning, less soot, and fewer toxins in the air. But here’s the thing -- just because a candle is made of natural wax doesn’t mean it’s completely “clean” or free of environmental impact.

The reality most brands don’t talk about is that candles affect the environment in more ways than just what they’re made of. Even the cleanest candle can have negative side effects that we, as consumers, may not notice. Marketing has conditioned us to focus only on the ingredients.

People Ask Me This All The Time

“What’s this candle made of?"

We’ve been trained to think that’s the only thing that matters. But the truth is, candles impact us in two ways:

Directly: This is about the wax and ingredients in the candle.
Indirectly: This is about what happens to the candle after it’s burned.

While one impacts us personally, the other impacts the planet.

Single-Use Candles: How They Harm the Environment

Pile of assorted ceramic vessels in a landfill

Single-use candles are convenient, but convenience comes at a cost. When we burn a candle once and toss it, the environmental impact adds up:

Waste in landfills: Empty candle jars and leftover wax often end up in the trash.
Harm to wildlife: Landfill waste and chemicals can negatively affect animals and ecosystems.
Increased resource use: Making new candles requires more raw materials -- more wax, more jars, more packaging.
Carbon emissions: From production to shipping, single-use candles increase our carbon footprint.
Perpetuating throwaway culture: Constantly buying and discarding products reinforces the idea that convenience is more important than sustainability.

Simply put, every candle we throw away adds to a cycle that’s harmful to the environment.

Candle Refills: How They Help the Environment

Two candles labeled 'Santal' and 'Heirloom' with tomatoes and palo santo sticks on a white surface.

Refills turn single-use candles into reusable ones, helping reduce waste and protect the environment. Candle refills create both direct and indirect benefits that make a lasting impact.

Direct Impact

Reduces waste: Instead of throwing away a jar, you reuse it.
Conserves resources: Less raw material is needed when you refill instead of buying a new candle.
Lowers carbon footprint: Fewer candles produced means fewer emissions.

Indirect Impact

Spreads awareness: When others see you refilling candles, it normalizes sustainable behavior.
Builds eco-friendly habits: Refilling a candle is a small act that can inspire bigger sustainable choices in your daily life. Over time, these decisions accumulate, creating a lasting positive impact on the planet.

To learn more about the benefits of candle refills, check out our article Eco-Friendly Living: The Rise of Candle Refills.

How to Refill a Candle

candle wax being poured into a green ceramic vessel on a white background

Refilling a candle doesn’t have to be complicated. With our Deconstructed Candles or candle refill kits, it’s easy, fast, and fun. The best part? It takes less than 5 minutes.

Here’s how:

Place the wax bars into the provided pouch and heat for about 2 minutes, or until the wax fully melts.
While the wax is melting, position the wick in the center of your vessel using the wick holder.
Pour the melted wax into the vessel and let it cool for around 3 hours.
Trim the wick to ¼” and enjoy your homemade candle!

Our kits come with everything you need to make your own candle.

For full step-by-step instructions, check out How to Make a Deconstructed Candle.

Tackling Throwaway Culture, One Candle Refill at a Time

Candle labeled “Sunday Morning” on a white base with fresh pears and white flowers on a light surface.

Refilling candles may feel like extra work at first, but that little effort goes a long way for the planet and wildlife. You don’t need to refill every candle you own -- just start with one that’s almost finished.

Sustainability isn’t about making giant changes overnight. It’s about taking small, consistent actions that add up. By choosing a candle refill instead of a single-use candle, you’re making a choice that helps the environment, inspires others, and builds habits that last a lifetime.

Candle refills are more than just a trend -- they’re a way to enjoy your favorite scents, care for the environment, and make small sustainable choices that truly add up. One refill at a time, we can all do better for the planet.

To learn more about how our daily choices impact the planet, read Throwaway Culture: How Convenience is Costing the Planet