Living a low-waste lifestyle isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making conscious, better choices every day that reduce your impact on the planet. And one of the simplest swaps you can make starts with something many of us already love: candles. If you burn candles regularly, switching to a low-waste option like refillable soy candles can keep dozens of jars out of landfill each year. Here’s how to make that switch in a way that feels luxurious, affordable, and aligned with your values.
Most candles on the market are made from paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct), housed in single use glass jars, and packaged in layers of plastic. Once the candle is finished, many people toss the jar out, either because it’s not recyclable or because cleaning it is a hassle. Multiply that by millions of candles burned every year, and the environmental toll is significant.
Did you know? Over 400 million candles are sold globally each year. If even a fraction end up in landfill, that’s hundreds of tonnes of waste annually.
A low-waste candle is designed with the environment in mind, avoiding unnecessary waste at every stage:
-
Refillable container (like aluminium instead of glass)
-
Soy wax instead of paraffin
-
Minimal or compostable packaging
-
Recyclable or reusable components (like wicks and refill pods)
At Lunaire, our Forever Jars are made from durable, anodised aluminium. They’re designed to be refilled over and over again, and they never break or shatter. It’s sustainability, without compromising on style.
1. Less Waste
Using a refillable soy candle means you’re reusing the same vessel instead of throwing out a jar every time. It’s a powerful shift in how we consume.
2. Lower Cost in the Long Run
Buying a refill is significantly cheaper than buying a brand-new candle. Refillable candles save you money while also reducing packaging waste.
3. Customisable & Meaningful
Some brands let you engrave your candle jar or choose a design that reflects your style. With Lunaire, every Forever Jar can be personalised, making it feel less disposable and more like a keepsake.
4. Safer Ingredients
Low-waste candles are usually made from natural waxes like soy or coconut and fragranced with phthalate-free oils. That means fewer toxins in your home.
Buy in Bulk
Order multiple refills at once to reduce packaging waste and save on shipping emissions.
Choose Local Brands
Supporting nearby makers reduces the carbon footprint tied to long-distance freight. At Lunaire, all our candles are hand-poured in the World Heritage Blue Mountains.
Reuse Old Jars Creatively
If you do have leftover glass jars, repurpose them as planters, pen holders, or storage containers. Pinterest is full of creative ideas for giving candle jars new life.
Learn to Trim Wicks & Burn Properly
Making your candles last longer is part of sustainable use. Keep your wick trimmed to 5mm and let the wax melt evenly to the edges on the first burn.
Our goal at Lunaire is to help you enjoy the ritual of candle-burning without the guilt of waste. We use:
-
100% natural soy wax
-
Aluminium Forever Jars with a lifetime warranty
-
Compostable and recyclable packaging
-
Custom engraving for personal connection
This isn’t just about a better candle – it’s about a better way of living.
Are refillable candles worth it?
Absolutely. Not only do they reduce waste, but they also offer better value per burn and can be more stylish than single-use candles.
How long does a refill last?
Our standard refills burn for over 30 hours. It depends on burn habits, but with proper care, they can outlast many store-bought candles.
What do I do with the refill packaging?
It’s compostable! Simply remove any remaining wax and pop it into your green bin or home compost.
Low-waste living isn’t about giving up what you love. It’s about choosing better, smarter alternatives. Refillable soy candles offer the same warm glow, the same beautiful scent – just without the landfill guilt. Whether you’re just beginning your sustainable journey or looking to level up your home rituals, start with something small.
Start with your candle.
