TRINE GALLEGOS THE GREEN SCENE: Start the year with a splash of green
Contra Costa Times Article: 01/18/2008

"NOW THAT all the holiday decor and gifts have been put away (or have they?), let's see what swell things we can do to have a happy green year.

Good stuff

Our holidays were filled with family and friends, and some lovely eco-happy gifts. One of my favorites was a soy-based candle with a fantastically delicious fragrance. Not only is soy better for the Earth than traditional paraffin candles, but these grand offerings are from an Antioch business. The Whitehall Candle Co. (www.whitehallcandle.com) is run by Shawn Jimenez, who hand-crafts the fragrant beauties.

The simple-but-elegant candles are about $16, a bargain for good candles, especially for handmade ones. As Shawn says on his Web site, "While I would gladly spend sixty dollars on a candle I liked, it was important for me to offer an affordable luxury to candle lovers."

Right on to that! Another bonus here; Whitehall Candles' packaging features recycled materials.

In addition to finding Shawn's candles at his Web site, they also are sold at Shiroco's, 622 First St. in Benicia (707-747-1298) and the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays."