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Have you ever wondered if the wax in all the candles is the same? Where does the candle wax go when it burns? Or what are the main differences between the different types of candle wax? We have prepared a short but handy guide to share everything you need to know about candle wax. What is wax and where does it go when it burns? Wax is a combustible solid matter that when heated at high temperatures it turns liquid, dissolving into the air as it burns. Wax solidifies again at room temperature. There are many different types of wax depending on its origin: mineral or petroleum derived wax, animal wax and plant wax. Where does wax come from? Wax can be made from different sources. They can be split into 3 main categories: natural, synthetic and a combination of both. Each type of wax has its own properties and characteristics. The most common types of wax used in candle making are: Paraffin wax, also known as mineral wax, is made from saturated hydrocarbons and it can be either white or colourless. It is obtained from petroleum by de-waxing light oil stocks. It can hold scent and colour very well and it is the most inexpensive kind to use. Paraffin wax is the cheapest option in the market and burns very fast. Therefore, candles made from paraffin wax won’t last very long. Why we don’t use paraffin wax: Paraffin wax usually contains harmful chemicals such dioxin and acrolein and it is often mixed with stearic acid from animal origin. Beeswax is another 100% natural type of wax, produced from the bees’ excretion into their combs. Beeswax is one of the oldest wax types to exist. Beeswax has one of the highest melting points (around 62-64°C (144-147°F) and therefore it’s a great choice for natural pillar candles, as it won’t melt as quickly. Why we don’t use beeswax: Although beeswax is 100% natural it is not a vegan option. Here is a link to read more about why beeswax is not vegan. Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, which makes it 100% natural. It is obtained as a result of a complex process of harvesting, cleaning, cracking, dehulling and rolling the beans into flakes. Why we don’t use soy wax: There are two main reasons why we do not use soy wax: 1) It has a high carbon footprint as soy grows in temperate and tropical climates. 80% of soy originates from America (United States, Brazil and Argentina). 2) There are growing concerns that the soybean industry is causing widespread deforestation and displacement of small farmers and indigenous peoples around the globe. For more information on this topic visit: https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/soy Coconut wax is made from cold-pressed coconut meat or coconut oil, often mixed with other plant waxes, either soy or rapeseed. It does not have color or smell and it is one of the more expensive alternatives. Why we don’t use coconut wax: Coconut wax also has a higher carbon footprint as it travels all the wax from South East Asia, mainly the Philippines. Rapeseed wax is made from the oil harvested from the yellow rapeseed flowers that are part of the mustard family. You can find rapeseed fields all over Europe and the UK in the early summer months. It is a 100% natural and sustainable option, offering a clean and long-lasting burn. Why we have chosen 100% rapeseed wax? After conducting extensive research and evaluating the different options available in the market we reached the conclusion that rapeseed is the right choice for us for the following reasons: It’s 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free Made in the UK by a family run business with a fully traceable supply chain Low carbon footprint, being locally grown and sourced Has a clean, toxin-free burn Is non-hazardous for us, our pets and our environment Offers an extended burn time due to the low melting point temperature Keeps and releases scent very well, making it the perfect match for our essential oils At Elm Rd. we know exactly what goes into each and every candle. We can guarantee that they are free from paraffin, additives and any harmful chemicals. We hope you find this article insightful and that it helps you make considered decisions when choosing to buy scented candles and home fragrances that are good for you, your home and the planet. Be clean, kind, conscious.

As we head into November and a second national lockdown, it’s a great time to beat the rush and start choosing holiday gifts for your loved ones. Here are ELM RD.’s top tips for mindful gifting – minimising the environmental impact of your presents and ensuring your recipients love them. We’ve all been there: dashing to find the perfect holiday gift at the last minute, scrambling among crowds of shoppers and hoping we’ve made the right choice. But the events of this year have given a much-needed reminder to many of us – that there is value in slowing down, planning ahead and practising gratitude. Even pre-pandemic, the trend towards more conscious and mindful gifting was growing. Three-quarters of us would prefer to spend money on an experience than an item, one 2019 study found. More than two-thirds of us think the amount of waste generated at Christmas is unacceptable, another concluded. Yet half of us receive at least one unwanted gift every winter. By steering clear of the temptation to purchase an abundance of ‘stuff’ made with little to no concern for the environment at this time of year, favouring more mindful decisions, we can not only reduce our environmental footprint but the pressure on ourselves and on those receiving our gifts. It’s been proven that possessions take up mental space as well as physical. Here are our top tips for gifting more consciously in 2020 1. Shop with small businesses There are a wealth of reasons why, from the fact that small businesses typically have a smaller environmental footprint, to the personal connection small business owners feel to their customers. Items from small businesses often come with a beautiful backstory, making the recipient more likely to treasure them, also. And let’s not forget that following this step lowers the risk of your recipient receiving two of the same thing… 2. Streamline your gifting Do you really need to get several presents for your loved one, or would a single, more thoughtful gift have the same effect? If you have a large friend group, would a ‘secret Santa’ arrangement be kinder to your wallets and to the planet than all gifting to each other? There’s a reason the phrase ‘less is more’ is so popular. 3. Be mindful with packaging A lot of big retailers are removing plastic from their festive cards and wrapping paper, which is fantastic. But you can’t go wrong with brown paper wrap or reusable fabric wrapping, decorated with recyclable inks or accessorised with dried fruits, mistletoe or holly. And, if you already have a lot of gift bags or wrapping paper from previous years, don’t be afraid to reuse and repurpose them each year. 4. Think circular When choosing a gift, consider how long your loved one is likely to use it for; whether it can be replaced, repaired or customised; and whether the packaging could be repurposed or recycled. Households produce 30% more rubbish in December than at other times of year – so make sure your gifts don’t end up in that waste mountain. 5. Or simply give the gift of time You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who would not appreciate the offer of a home-cooked meal, or getting their kids picked up, or simply some quality time with a friend or family member they’ve not seen in a while. You can definitely show that you care without buying piles of expensive things. Our range of home fragrance can make wonderful conscious gifts because… 1. They provide aromatherapy benefits for mind and body ELM RD. only uses natural essential oils, to help our community reap the full extent of the positive benefits of home fragrance. While synthetic fragrance oils can cause headaches and other unpleasant side effects, natural essential oils have a positive impact on the limbic system – the part of your brain which processes memories and emotions. The limbic system also plays a role in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels and hormone balance. Those who regularly make time for aromatherapy report a broad spectrum of benefits. You can read our previous journal post on the difference between synthetic and natural home fragrance to find out more. 2. They can help your loved one build a ritual to relax or recharge For all our daydreams about snow-covered mountains, crisp walks and cosy evenings in front of the fire, the reality is that winter can be a stressful and draining time. Whether due to the pressure of preparing and budgeting for festivities or to less sunshine, many of us find ourselves losing motivation at this time of year – and, after spending more time at home all year, the thought of being stuck indoors over winter may seem daunting. Of course, a candle will not solve the winter blues in and of itself. But home fragrance can be a powerful tool for building me-time rituals that will make the season more bearable. Whether your loved ones are looking for a morning ritual that will invigorate them in preparation for a long day, or a night-time ritual to reduce stress and improve sleep, our previous journal entry on incorporating home fragrance and mindfulness into daily routines will help you make the right match. 3. They make any house homely This point explains itself – after all, there is a reason that home fragrance is often given as a housewarming gift! As we spend more time at home, the importance of creating a space that fits us only grows. Moreover, we have created a brand new section where you can find all our gift ideas in one place – so you’re bound to find something your loved one will appreciate, whether they’re new to natural home fragrance or are a long-time devotee.

With the nights drawing in and the school term restarting, September is a time for change and for reflection for many of us. So, as we make new memories and look back on months gone by, we’re asking: How does scent help us create and recall memories? If you’ve ever walked by someone in the street and been instantly reminded of a loved one after catching a hint of their perfume, or found yourself reminiscing about playing outside as a child after smelling freshly-mown grass, you’re not alone. Scent has the power to instantly transport us back to a special time and place. This is because our brains are hard-wired to create powerful links between scent and memory. Once our noses detect aroma molecules, the scent is processed by the olfactory bulb in our brain. This processing directly stimulates the limbic system, which is also the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories. So, very often, our olfactory memories will be registered in our brains next to an emotion. While we may recall memories when presented with a sight, sound or texture, the connection between smell and memory is far stronger for the great majority of people. This is because the relationship between the olfactory bulb and limbic system helps our brains to subconsciously connect scents with memories – often, for our entire lives. Moreover, smell is a “chemical” sense and is known to be our oldest sense; we’ve had centuries of our central nervous systems being stimulated by the detection of scent molecules in the air. Because of these phenomena, we can deliberately evoke memories – and the emotions they entail – by choosing scents wisely. You may have been aware of this fact as a child without realising it and sought to smell your grandmother’s perfume or grandfather’s cologne when you were missing them, or to hold on to a cherished toy or blanket mainly for its comforting and unique scent. As adults, we can fine-tune this process, selecting home fragrance products which remind us of specific moments, places or people. If you wish to be reminded of a relaxing evening stroll taken by the seaside on a past holiday to Europe, for example, a mix of jasmine flowers, lavender and citrus fruits is likely to do the trick. Sandalwood, cedar and juniper, on the other hand, will likely bring back any memories you have of hiking through forests, skiing in the mountains or staying in a cosy log cabin in the colder months. Our recommendation for fragrance blends which will take you back to…. Sandy beaches and blue skies: Summer Days Rich sunsets, balmy air and citrus fruit groves: Summer Nights Alpine getaways and hiking at natural beauty spots: Chalet Romantic strolls through world-famous cities: Intimacy It is worth noting that the limbic system has an impact on our heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, stress levels and hormone balance as well as our emotions and our memory recall, as detailed in our recent journal entry on using essential oils to help with sleep. When these healing benefits of natural fragrances are combined with memories which evoke joy, relaxation or romance, the result is a blissful feeling of pure escapism. So as the days get shorter and as our schedules get more hectic, now is the ideal time to harness this feeling.

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roots ceramic candle SHOP EXPLORE Botanical Alchemy for conscious living. In a world that seems to always be operating at full speed, it is the small things and rituals in life that help us slow down, breathe and feel at peace. We believe that our sense of smell can be integral to our overall wellbeing. This is why we have formulated our natural fine fragrances to tell a scent story that evokes memories and emotions. FIND OUT MORE WELLNESS SHOP WANDERLUST SHOP + Best Sellers SHOP ALL PRODUCTS EXCLUSIVE Roots Ceramic Candle Price £45.00 NEW Brass Lab Incense Holder Out of stock NEW Lemongrass Hand-rolled Incense Price £19.00 Secret Scented Candle Price £42.00 Amira Artisan Reed Diffuser Price From £35.00 EXCLUSIVE Roots Ceramic Candle Price £45.00 NEW Brass Lab Incense Holder Out of stock NEW Lemongrass Hand-rolled Incense Price £19.00 Secret Scented Candle Price £42.00 Amira Artisan Reed Diffuser Price From £35.00 SHOP BY COLLECTION scented candles room sprays reed diffusers essential oil blends hand-rolled incense SHOP BY SCENT Responsible packaging PLANTABLE PACKAGING Our protective boxes are made with recycled paper pulp and seeds. They are not only biodegradable, they can be planted to grow flowers. DISCOVER "Lighting an Elm Rd. scented candle is an effective and simple way to set the mood and create an aura of calm" HANDCRAFTED IN ENGLAND We place craftsmanship, design and quality at the heart of every step of the creation process. Every piece is 100% artisan, kind and sustainable, both inside and out. VISIT OUR STUDIO & SHOWROOM # BREATHEELMRD @elm.road

EXPLORE Artisan Fragrance Studio Elm Rd. fine fragrances are hand-crafted in England with the finest pure essential oils in a formula that is 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free. Our mission is to connect you to an emotion that will soothe your mind, heart and soul through the power of scent. In a world that seems to always be operating at full speed, it is the small things and rituals in life that help us slow down, breathe and feel at peace. We believe that our sense of smell can be integral to our overall wellbeing. This is why we have formulated our scents to tell a story that evokes memories and emotions. Our Story PLAY VIDEO Our Story Elm Rd. was an awakening in nature. I unexpectedly found myself in Golden Gate Park after a tightly packed business trip to San Francisco. I was tired, not just physically and mentally, but also emotionally, so I decided to venture in. As I walked, gigantic eucalyptus trees towered over me. The aromas they dispersed evoked all sorts of memories that took my mind to wonderful places. These thoughts made me feel inspired and restored, and it was there that I realised how valuable our sense of smell can be to our well-being. ​ This experience made me wonder, what if I could bottle up this scent so I could help others find balance when they need it? Motivated by this idea, I trained as an aromatherapist, took perfumery courses and started the journey that led me to start Elm Rd. in my kitchen. Today, we have expanded to our lab in South East London where we formulate, design and make all our products. Our award winning botanical scents can now be found in stockists throughout the world. Miguel Ángel Founder & Creative Director Craftmanship Handcrafted with Purpose PLAY VIDEO 100% Artisan From the pouring of our candles in-house to the assembling of our plantable boxes, we place craftsmanship, design and quality at the heart of every step of the creation process. Every Elm Rd. piece is 100% artisan, kind and sustainable, both inside and out. Because to us, handcrafted objects deliver a unique and extraordinary experience. Sustainability Circularity-focused Design Every decision we make is underpinned by the principles of Reuse, Reduce and Recycle . REUSE reusable glassware Our hand-made borosilicate glassware has been designed with reusability in mind. Borosilicate glass is food-safe, non-toxic, durable and heat-resistant. REDUCE British rapeseed wax By moving away from soy wax, we are reducing our carbon emissions and the devastating effects of deforestation associated with soy plantations. RECYCLE responsible packaging Our protective boxes are made from recycled paper pulp combined with seeds. They can be recycled or planted to grow mustard flowers. Our Studio & Showroom is now open to visitors To book your appointment, please email hello@elmrd.com ​ Open Monday to Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm ​ Visit us