Are you looking for a creative and sustainable way to repurpose old crayons? Look no further than homemade crayon candles! Not only are they a fun and easy DIY project, but they also help reduce waste and promote a more eco-friendly lifestyle. In this article, we'll discuss why traditional crayons are bad for the environment, the benefits of making your own crayon candles, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make them.
Why Traditional Crayons are Bad for the Environment
Crayons may seem harmless, but they can actually have a negative impact on the environment. Here are some reasons why:
- Non-biodegradable: Most traditional crayons are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. This means they are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
- Chemicals: Crayons often contain toxic chemicals such as lead, phthalates, and petroleum by-products. These chemicals can be harmful to both humans and the environment.
- Packaging: Crayons are typically packaged in plastic or paper, which contributes to the growing problem of waste and pollution.
Why Making Your Own Crayon Candles is Better for the Environment
Making your own crayon candles is a great way to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some benefits of homemade crayon candles:
- Repurposes old crayons: Instead of throwing away old and broken crayons, you can repurpose them into something useful and beautiful.
- Biodegradable: By using natural and biodegradable materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, you can create candles that are better for the environment.
- Non-toxic: By using natural materials, you can avoid the harmful chemicals found in traditional crayons.
- Sustainable packaging: You can use recycled or biodegradable materials for packaging your homemade crayon candles, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, here are the materials and tools you'll need to make your own crayon candles:
- Old crayons (broken or peeled)
- Beeswax or soy wax
- Candle wicks
- Double boiler or a heat-safe container and a pot
- Mason jars or other heat-safe containers
- Essential oils (optional)
- Scissors
- Pencil or chopstick
- Hot glue gun (optional)
Directions
Now that you have all the necessary materials, let's get started on making your own crayon candles!
Step 1: Prepare the Crayons
First, you'll need to prepare the crayons by removing any paper wrappers and breaking them into smaller pieces. You can also use a vegetable peeler to peel off the paper and create smaller shavings.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
Next, you'll need to melt the wax. If you have a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place the wax in the top pot. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a heat-safe container and place it in a pot of boiling water. Stir the wax occasionally until it is completely melted.
Step 3: Add the Crayons
Once the wax is melted, add the crayon pieces or shavings to the wax. The amount of crayons you add will depend on how vibrant you want the color of your candle to be. You can experiment with different color combinations to create unique candles.
Step 4: Add Essential Oils (Optional)
If you want to add a scent to your candles, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the melted wax and crayons. Popular scents for candles include lavender, vanilla, and citrus.
Step 5: Prepare the Containers
While the wax and crayons are melting, prepare your containers by placing the candle wicks in the center. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the wick to the bottom of the container.
Step 6: Pour the Wax
Once the wax and crayons are fully melted and mixed, carefully pour the mixture into your prepared containers. Use a pencil or chopstick to hold the wick in place while pouring the wax.
Step 7: Let it Cool
Allow the candles to cool and harden for at least 24 hours. You can place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Step 8: Trim the Wicks
Once the candles have cooled and hardened, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch above the wax.
Congratulations, you have successfully made your own crayon candles! You can now enjoy the beautiful colors and scents of your homemade candles while knowing that you have contributed to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Responsible Disposal of Old Crayons
Now that you have repurposed your old crayons into candles, you may be wondering what to do with the leftover bits and pieces. Here are some responsible disposal methods for old crayons:
- Donate: If your crayons are still in good condition, you can donate them to schools, daycares, or community centers.
- Recycle: Some recycling centers accept crayons for recycling. Check with your local recycling center to see if they have a program in place.
- Upcycle: Get creative and use old crayons for other DIY projects, such as making your own lip balm or creating colorful artwork.
- Compost: If you used natural materials for your candles, such as beeswax or soy wax, you can compost the leftover bits and pieces.
Conclusion
Homemade crayon candles are a fun and eco-friendly way to repurpose old crayons. By making your own candles, you can reduce waste, avoid harmful chemicals, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. So next time you have some old crayons lying around, don't throw them away – turn them into beautiful and useful candles instead!
