Celebrate Green Blog

by Corey

Today we celebrate Lisa Borden, creator of Orb Candles, and owner of Borden Communications. Lisa takes a unique approach to holistically marketing eco-intelligent living and working. She’s also a Jewish mom of three, and in this 3 question interview, Lisa shines a light on family-and-planet focused celebrations, starting with Shabbat:

1. Which aspects of Shabbat do you think are most difficult for people to change to more sustainable behaviors?

Changing any behavior can be a challenge, but I hope that people can focus on their health and our world–and our responsibility as Jews. Tikkun olam, meaning perfecting or repairing of the world, is a major theme in modern Jewish social justice theology. So how can we ignore doing what we know is right, or continue doing wrong?

I often hear people say that they don’t have the extra time or money to make healthier choices, but anyone who is fortunate enough to gather for a Shabbat dinner each week, including my family, is probably already spending quite a bit of both on food, flowers, wine, and challah – It doesn’t take any more time to pick up something healthier while we’re at the store. And perhaps people can cut back what they spend on something else (ever tried a vegetarian Shabbat?!) to be able to honour Shabbat safely, keep their family healthy, and repair the world.

2. Is there a particular meaningful or symbolic aspect of Jewish celebrations that people of any faith or non-faith might integrate into their own family celebrations?

I am not only a Jewish mother, but I am also the owner of Borden Communications + Design Inc., where I commit myself daily to improving the quality of our health and the environment through business development and consulting. When I gather around my family Shabbat table on Friday nights, it’s a time I absolutely adore, marking the end of a usually hectic week by disconnecting electronically, and connecting spiritually and emotionally with the ones I love. I think everyone would benefit greatly from putting away their cell phones, tablets, laptops etc., and sitting around the table together for a family meal (at least once a week!), and reflecting on how we can be better to each other, our community, and our world.

3. Tell us a bit about Manuka beeswax and why it’s different/best compared to any other type of beeswax candles.

There are a number of differences between Orb Candles and the other candles on the market. Conventional paraffin candles are by far the dirtiest, as they’re derived from petroleum sludge, so when you burn them, they fill your room with cancer causing chemicals. Traditional beeswax candles can also contain dangerous pesticides that are used to treat the hives. They may also contain artificial fragrance and colors.

After learning all of this about candles, I had to find a solution that I could feel good about for my family’s health, and the health of our planet. Orb Candles are handmade with 100% Organic Manuka beeswax, which is the purest and most natural of all waxes. 100% Organic Manuka Beeswax is actually very, very rare because the honey is harvested from bee hives on the mountain sides of the New Zealand south island. Orb Candles burn cleanly, and actually purifying the air and improving indoor air quality, while giving off a beautiful, warm glow.

We also love Lisa’s Eco-Shabbat Guide. Get it (free!) here.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.