Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Guys and Gals,

I've recently embarked on another new side project, making a number of natural skincare products for myself and friends and family, after finding that I'd developed a bit of a reaction to a few shop brands which are clearly full of chemicals.

Well, now demand is outstripping supply, and a friend and I are making an effort to do this in a slightly more structured way and try our luck at a few of the local markets.

This is where my favourite online BYAP/BF community hopefully comes in

Both the moisturising hard lotion bars and lip balms inter alia, require a reasonable amount of beeswax to make in the quantities that we are now being asked to supply. I bought the first batch of beeswax online but I would muuuuch rather find a local product and use some smaller suppliers if it's at all possible.

So, I was wondering if any of you bee keepers in Perth and surrounds would be able to supply me with some beeswax please? I am happy to even just collect cappings once you've drained your honey and do the messy bit myself if that makes it easier for you, and can either swap you some finished products if you prefer to barter, or of course hand over some cold hard cash for either cappings or block wax

Thanks in advance

This is going to sound like I'm kidding, but I'm actually not: If you get into a real bind for sourcing beeswax, check with your local Greek or Russian Orthodox churches (if you have any nearby), as I understand it is pretty common for them to use arc-loads (no offense!) of beeswax candles on a regular basis.

A couple of years ago I answered a Craigslist post from an Orthodox church in Richardson, TX, offering for free the used beeswax candles they'd collected over the prior year. Sure, I have to melt and filter the stuff whenever I care to use it, but that's pretty easy. The #1 contaminant in my case is "white sand" because that's what they stick their candles in to hold them upright, but when melted en masse that stuff heads straight to the bottom of the pot.

After two-ish years, I still have about 2/3 of a 55-gallon drum full of beeswax.

It only cost me the time and effort to pick it up.

Your mileage may vary, and I have NO IDEA what your local laws may be considering reuse of beeswax, but it strikes me as something to at least consider.

..
+10 for local churches..
I know that we throw out heaps of them.. Big thumpers, that have burnt down to the point of being ugly.. ie perhaps 1/2 gone..

The only thing is that they will have to gather them for you..

I got a heap for use in making Phase-Change heat banks...
..
.

Hi Kat
You'll find that many beekeeping shops accepts wax as "in kind" payment. Many hobby beekeepers trade it for other beekeeping supplies. The reason is that its reused for making foundation for hives. It it more valuable than honey and is also easier to trade because it is not for human consumption.

I have seen it sold at some of the weekend markets in perth - normally at a premium. You may have to take up beekeeping as a new hobby:)

Sounds like an awesome project Kat!