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Preserving the Place We Love: How Sustainability Shapes Every Candle We Pour

Sullivan's Island Beach, SC

Charleston Candle Co. was born from two simple joys—my love for candle-making and my deep-rooted appreciation for the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. Long before we had a flagship store or a collection of signature scents, I was pouring candles in our kitchen with the hope of capturing the essence of Charleston in every jar.


Over time, that creative spark became a business. But the goal was never just to make candles—it was to make candles that were good for your home and kind to our planet. As we celebrate Earth Month, I’m proud to share how sustainability is woven into everything we do, not just in April, but all year long.

Hampton Park in Charleston, SC
Julie Livingston Photography

What Goes Into a CCCo. Candle (and What Doesn’t)

We believe a candle should fill your home with warmth—not harmful chemicals. That’s why every Charleston Candle Co. candle is made with:

  • Natural soy wax sourced from U.S.-grown soybeans, for a clean, long-lasting burn

  • Certified Clean Scents, rigorously tested and free of phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other harmful substances

  • Eco-friendly cotton and paper wicks, completely free of lead and zinc

We choose these ingredients intentionally, because the health of your home matters just as much as the scent in the air. Whether you're lighting a candle to start your morning or winding down after a long day, you can feel good knowing what's inside.

Botany Bay Candle
Julie Livingston Photography

Hand-Poured with Purpose

All of our candles are hand-poured in small batches right here in Charleston. This process allows us to reduce waste, avoid overproduction, and ensure that every single candle meets our standards before it leaves the studio.


There’s something incredibly grounding about pouring candles by hand—measuring the wax, blending the fragrance, watching the wick stand straight. It’s slow, deliberate work. But it’s worth it. Because every candle that leaves our shelves is made with care, not on a conveyor belt.

From Box to Burn: Thoughtful Packaging Matters

Our sustainability journey doesn’t stop at ingredients. We also take pride in minimizing waste in our packaging and shipping.

  • We use minimal and recyclable materials whenever possible
    Our candle vessels are designed for reuse—think bud vases, planters, storage jars, or even drinking glasses

  • Our packaging is simple and beautiful by design, offering a premium experience without the excess

Seed Packets
Julie Livingston Photography
Hampton Park Flowers

This spring, we’re even offering two of our favorite eco-friendly accessories:

It’s the little things that add up.

Why It All Matters

Earth Month is a powerful reminder to slow down, take stock, and care for the place we call home. For us, that’s the Lowcountry—where preserved beaches like Edisto and wild places like Botany Bay continue to inspire us.


Our No. 01 Botany Bay and No. 05 Edisto Breeze candles capture the serene, untouched beauty of these coastal gems. They serve as daily reminders of what we’re working to protect—not just through scent, but through sustainable action.

We were honored to be recognized by publications like AFAR and Azure Road for our sustainability efforts. But for us, it’s not about the spotlight. It’s about doing the right thing—for our customers, for our craft, and for Charleston.

Edisto Breeze candle
Julie Livingston Photography

Join Us in Making a Difference

We believe that small choices lead to big change. Choosing a clean-burning, thoughtfully made candle might seem simple—but it’s one step toward a more intentional, sustainable lifestyle. And when those steps add up, they matter.

This Earth Month, I invite you to:

  • Repurpose your candle jars—plant herbs, hold trinkets, mix cocktails
    Try our new garden goods to support local pollinators

  • Swap a mass-produced candle for one made with care, right here in the Lowcountry

However you celebrate Earth Month, thank you for supporting our mission to keep Charleston beautiful, from the marshes to your mantle.

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