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If you're feeling burned out, try switching off those harsh electric lights and burning a candle instead. Sit down, stretch out and you'll be saving your own energy as well as fossil fuels, especially if you light a candle that's free of petroleum-based paraffin. Before buying, also examine tips of wicks to make sure they don't contain lead, which can release fumes when burned. And while a little fragrance can add spice to life, take care to avoid aromatherapy candles that use synthetic scents, containing hormone-disrupting phthalates.

Below, a few tapers you can trust:

*Not only do Vermont Soy Candles use only pure plant essential oils in their heady aromatherapy pillars and votives (lavender, lemon, cedar, cinnamon and more) but their Clean Air candle removes smoke and other odors. (It works nicely in our bathroom.) $12.95 from www.vermontsoycandles.com, 888-727-1903.

*Aveda, famous for its essential oils, now has gentle Plant Pure-Fume Aroma Candles that contain no petroleum or synthetics. Try Rainforest (clover, coriander, peppermint), Madagascar (ylang ylang and vanilla), Euphoric (rose, jasmine) or my favorite, Lavandou (lavender, rose). From $5 for a travel size in a tin to $16 for a fat pillar in a glass holder (www.aveda.com, 800-328-0849).

*Beeswax Candles can probably be found at your local farmers' market (do check that the wicks contain no metal); if not, you can buy them in the usual sizes and shapes direct from the bee farm at honeyflowfarm.com/candleshop.htm (810-796-2344), prices from $6.75 for 6 tea lights or from www.beeswaxcandles.com (888-350-4929), prices from $6 for 6 tea lights.