THE TALE OF ORB CANDLES
Lisa Borden is a Jewish mother of 3, who each Friday, gathers around the table to celebrate Shabbat with her family. It was natural for her to want to raise awareness about the risks of conventional candles, and how dangerous it can be to overlook them. As an eco-advocate and owner of Borden Communications, Lisa’s commitment to improving the quality of our health and the environment set her into action to create a safe, healthy and beautiful Shabbat candle. She and her team developed and launched a brand that met their high expectations, that will now be a part of every smart Shabbat table and healthy home. Now that’s schepping nachas!
“When we buy and burn paraffin candles, we are harming ourselves and our world. When we make better choices and buy, for example, pure Canadian beeswax candles, we support beekeepers and bees, and we help save our health and our world. Pretty simple.”
Tikkun ‘olam, meaning perfecting or repairing of the world, is a major theme in modern Jewish social justice theology. Usually expressed as an activity, it must be carried out by humans in partnership with God. It is an important concept in environmentalism. Our ignorance and our greed, it is said, has damaged the world and silenced many of the voices of the choir of Creation. The good news (in our opinion), is that this problem can be fixed by switching our bad habits for healthier and smarter ones.
While pure Canadian beeswax might be more expensive, Lisa believes it’s invaluable – it’s worth every penny to protect our families, our friends, and our home and to try to live by Tikkun ‘olam each and every day, especially on Shabbat.
The Orb brand is so much more than just a name on the front of a package. It has a story, it has a personality, and it has a purpose. The Borden Team chose Orb as the name of their candles because of all the significant meanings associated with it, just like the meaning of Shabbat is so diverse to each person.
Or: in French means gold
Or: in Hebrew means light
Orb: a celestial body, like the sun or the moon
Orb: a sphere or spherical object.
Orb: collective whole; a circle of things or people
The circle in the logo represents a collective whole, bringing people together. The yellow represents the glowing light, symbolizing a brighter path ahead of us. It is also meant to make us feel warm and safe in our home, with our family and friends. The round circle not only signifies the earth but also symbolizes a perfect year to come in Judaism.
Orb Candles are a product with personality and purpose that brings together Lisa’s life, the goals of Borden Communications, strong family values, and Jewish tradition.
May they bring you, your family, and your friends light, health and happiness.
WHAT’S IN AND NOT IN ORB
Orb Candles bring pure brilliance to your Shabbat table.
Here’s what’s in them that makes them so special :
100% Pure Canadian Beeswax
The purest and most natural of all waxes. Pure Canadian Beeswax burns cleanly, and actually purifies the air, improving indoor air quality, while giving off a beautiful, warm glow.
Organic Cotton Wicks
Orb wicks are made from 100% certified organic cotton (plus, no wire or lead!), that is safe for your health and our planet.
A 4 to 6 hour burn time
Perfect for your Shabbat table.
Plus as a bonus…
Negative Ions
Beeswax is the only substance known to humankind that, when burned, emits a negative ion. Negative ions circulate the room neutralizing the positive static charge that keeps contaminants airborne. When this charge is neutralized, the contaminants – dust, odours, mold, pollen, viruses and other toxins – fall to the floor.
Self Enhancing Properties
It is said that pure beeswax candles improve your sleep, provide relief from allergies and hay fever, and can cause less severe asthma attacks. It can also improve concentration, aid in natural detoxification and add a sense of well being.
Canadian Love
Orb Candles are all Canadian made. Toronto-based Borden Communications came up with the idea, developed the concept, designed the branding (and this website!), and of course, is in charge of the ultimate customer service (all while being just another fun hobby on the side of their daily work!).
We believe what’s not in orb candles is equally as important as what’s in them. The inspiration to create Orb Candles came after learning what’s in so many candles on the market. We are committed to not have the following in Orb Candles:
No Paraffin
Paraffin is basically the final by-product in the petroleum refining chain – petroleum sludge, if you will. When paraffin candles are burned, the carcinogens fill the room with toxins that coat the walls, furniture and your lungs (think second hand tobacco smoke).
No Lead
Many conventional candles have wicks with metal cores that contain lead. When lead is burned and inhaled, it is extremely dangerous to our bodies and can result in anything from minor ailments to chronic illnesses.
No Artificial Fragrance
Most generic candles are scented with artificial fragrances which are harmful to our bodies and our planet (in production and in burning).
No Toxic Colourants
Most generic candles are bleached and dyed with toxic colourants (yes, even white ones). These are harmful to our bodies and our planet (in production and in burning).
No Pesticides
Harmful pesticides are frequently used to treat hives that directly contaminate much conventional beeswax. In turn, the pesticides are released into the air when the candles are lit. So why risk it?
