Did you know that millions of glass bottles end up in landfills each year—left to sit for thousands of years without decomposing? What if that waste could be turned into something beautiful, functional, and spiritually meaningful?
At EcoGlow Laudate Candles, that’s exactly what we do. Our initiative transforms discarded glass into elegant, eco-friendly scented candles, repurposes shattered glass into stunning tabletops, and creates special liturgical candles for catechumens to use during Holy Saturday—reducing waste while honoring faith traditions.
A Local Problem, A Global Concern
Growing up in Dandora, Nairobi’s largest dumping site area, the reality of glass waste is inescapable. It’s almost impossible to walk 100 meters without spotting a littered glass bottle. For us, this isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a missed opportunity to create value from waste.
Glass, unlike organic waste, does not decompose quickly. Shattered glass in particular often escapes recycling programs due to its dangerous nature and irregular shapes. At the same time, many commercial candles are made with petroleum-based wax and artificial fragrances that contribute to indoor air pollution and environmental harm.
During Holy Saturday, catechumens are required to bring candles to church—but traditional wax candles often drip, stain floors, and create a mess in sacred spaces. Despite the growing demand for sustainability, few solutions exist that merge ecological responsibility with faith traditions.
Our Solution: EcoGlow Laudate Candles
EcoGlow Candles responds to this gap with a multi-dimensional approach to sustainability, design, and spiritual relevance. Our goals include:
Recycling over 500 glass bottles each month—preventing 3,000 kg of glass waste from polluting the environment each year.
Upcycling glass into scented candles using natural soy or beeswax and eco-friendly fragrances to ensure clean air and sustainable luxury.
Repurposing shattered glass into durable tabletops for homes, offices, and churches—combining innovation and interior design with environmental impact.
Designing drip-free Holy Saturday candles for catechumens and congregations, complete with wax catchers to preserve church sanctity.
Offering refill programs that encourage circular consumption by allowing customers to return used jars for discounts and refills.
A Market with Mission
The global market for scented candles was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024, with projections reaching USD 6.1 billion by 2035. This growth highlights a significant opportunity for faith-centered, eco-conscious products that serve both spiritual and environmental needs.
We envision scaling by:
● Partnering with parishes and Catholic organizations for bulk liturgical orders.
● Launching targeted social media campaigns to reach eco-conscious consumers.
● Selling directly through markets, exhibitions, and online platforms.
In the near future, we also plan to expand our glass-to-tabletop product line, meeting the growing demand for sustainable construction and design solutions.
Our Impact: Environmental, Social, and Spiritual
At EcoGlow, sustainability is more than just recycling—it’s about transformation at every level:
● Waste Reduction: Diverting over 3,000 kg of glass annually from landfills.
● Carbon Footprint Reduction: By sourcing and producing locally, we lower emissions.
● Community Empowerment: Working with local collectors and artisans to create jobs and awareness.
● Liturgical Support: Offering eco-friendly, affordable candle alternatives for faith communities.
● Sustainable Living: Providing decorative and functional items that align with Laudato Si’ values.
Call to Action: Join the Initiative
We are currently seeking:
● Partners: Churches, faith-based organizations, and event planners interested in sustainable, sacred products.
● Support: Grants, donations, or investors who value environmental conservation and community empowerment.
● Mentors: Experts in sustainable product development and social enterprise.
● Champions of Change: Individuals passionate about making a difference through practical, faith-rooted action.
Together, we can light up homes, beautify spaces, support worship, and protect the Earth. Whether by sponsoring a candle, donating jars, or sharing our story—you can be part of this transformation.
Let’s make sustainability a lifestyle, both for the Earth and the Church.
Bibliography
● Francis, Pope. Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2015.
● Statista Research Department. Global Scented Candle Market Size 2024–2035. https://www.statista.com/
● United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 13 – Climate Action. https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
● Kenya National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Waste Management Reports. https://www.nema.go.ke/
● Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Special Report on Climate Change and Land. https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/