I searched for a good plant-based alternative, finding this article among the few without strong politics mixed in: https://www.offthegridnews.com/current-events/top-headlines/tallow-beeswax-and-other-wonders-making-candle-wax-at-home/

Yes, that site posts pseudoscience and leans toward conspiracy theories, but the unfortunate fact is the venn diagram for homesteaders, survivalists and libertarians is nearly a circle. I’ll take the know-how and leave the rest.

The plant info is further down in the Off the Grid article, for our vegan/vegetarian pals, since the Food Republic article rides hard on the meat train.

If you have better sources or first-hand knowledge, please share!