Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit websites. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.
This Cookie Policy explains:
- What cookies we use
- Why we use them
- How to control them
- Your choices regarding cookies
This Policy applies to all websites operated by The Global Hearth Collective, LLC.
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
Purpose: Enable basic website functionality
Can You Disable: No (required for site operation)
What They Do:
- Enable page navigation
- Remember your session
- Secure areas of the website
- Enable core features
Duration: Session cookies (deleted when browser closes)
Examples:
- Login session management
- Shopping cart functionality
- Security and fraud prevention
- Load balancing
2. Analytics & Performance Cookies
Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use our sites
Can You Disable: Yes (via browser settings or opt-out tools)
What They Do:
- Count page visits
- Track navigation paths
- Measure page load times
- Identify technical errors
- Understand user behavior
Primary Service: Google Analytics
Google Analytics Cookies:
_ga– Distinguishes unique users (2 years)_gid– Distinguishes unique users (24 hours)_gat– Throttles request rate (1 minute)
Data Collected (anonymized):
- Pages viewed
- Time on site
- Traffic sources
- Device type
- General location (city/country)
- Browser and OS
How to Opt-Out:
- Install Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Adjust browser cookie settings
3. Advertising Cookies (Third-Party)
Purpose: Deliver personalized advertisements
Can You Disable: Yes (required by GDPR/CCPA)
What They Do:
- Track browsing across websites
- Build advertising profiles
- Deliver targeted ads
- Measure ad effectiveness
- Frequency capping (limit how often you see same ad)
Our Advertising Partners:
- Google AdSense – DoubleClick DART cookie
- Mediavine – Multiple ad technology partners
- Ezoic – AI-driven ad optimization
- Raptive – Premium ad network
- Other Networks – Various programmatic partners
Common Advertising Cookies:
IDE(Google DoubleClick) – 1 yeartest_cookie(DoubleClick) – 15 minutes- Various Mediavine cookies – 30-90 days
- Various Ezoic cookies – 30-365 days
How to Opt-Out:
- Google Ads Settings: https://www.google.com/settings/ads
- NAI Opt-Out: http://optout.networkadvertising.org/
- DAA Opt-Out: http://optout.aboutads.info/
- European Users: http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/
4. Functional Cookies (Preference)
Purpose: Remember your choices and preferences
Can You Disable: Yes (but may affect functionality)
What They Do:
- Remember language preferences
- Remember display preferences
- Store user settings
- Enhance user experience
Duration: Varies (30 days to 1 year typically)
Examples:
- Theme preferences (light/dark mode)
- Font size preferences
- Measurement unit preferences (metric/imperial)
5. Social Media Cookies (Third-Party)
Purpose: Enable social sharing features
Can You Disable: Yes
What They Do:
- Social media sharing buttons
- Embedded social content
- Social login features
- Track social engagement
Platforms:
- Pinterest (Pin buttons, embedded pins)
- Instagram (embedded posts)
- Facebook (Like/Share buttons)
- Other social networks
Important: These platforms may track you even if you don’t interact with their buttons/content.
Third-Party Cookies
What Are Third-Party Cookies?
First-Party Cookies: Set by our website
Third-Party Cookies: Set by other services we use (advertisers, analytics, social media)
We Use Third-Party Services For:
- Advertising (AdSense, Mediavine, Ezoic, Raptive)
- Analytics (Google Analytics)
- Email marketing (ConvertKit)
- Social media integration
- Video embeds (YouTube)
We Don’t Control Third-Party Cookies:
- Third parties have their own cookie policies
- We don’t have access to data they collect
- Review their privacy policies for details
Web Beacons & Pixels
What Are They?
Web beacons (also called pixels, tags, or clear GIFs) are tiny invisible images or code snippets embedded in web pages and emails.
What They Do:
- Track whether you’ve opened an email
- Count page views
- Track ad impressions
- Measure user engagement
- Verify cookie functionality
Used By:
- Advertising networks
- Email service providers
- Analytics services
- Social media platforms
Cookie Duration
Session Cookies
Duration: Deleted when you close your browser
Purpose: Temporary functionality during your visit
Examples: Session management, security
Persistent Cookies
Duration: Remain until they expire or you delete them
Purpose: Remember you between visits
Common Durations:
- Short: Hours to days (advertising, session tracking)
- Medium: 30-90 days (preferences, analytics)
- Long: 1-2 years (user identification, advertising)
How to Manage Cookies
Browser Cookie Settings
Chrome:
- Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Choose cookie preferences
- Manage exceptions and blocked cookies
Firefox:
- Settings → Privacy & Security
- Cookies and Site Data
- Manage Data or Block Cookies
Safari:
- Preferences → Privacy
- Choose “Block all cookies” or manage by website
Edge:
- Settings → Privacy
- Cookies and site permissions
- Manage and delete cookies
Blocking All Cookies:
- May prevent our sites from working properly
- Some features may not function
- You may not be able to use certain services
Industry Opt-Out Tools
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): http://optout.networkadvertising.org/
- Opt out of multiple ad networks at once
Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): http://optout.aboutads.info/
- Opt out of interest-based advertising
Google Ads Settings: https://www.google.com/settings/ads
- Control Google personalized ads
European Users: http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/
- EDAA opt-out tool
Mobile Device Settings
iOS (iPhone/iPad): Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Disable
Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of interest-based ads
Your Cookie Consent
How We Obtain Consent
On First Visit:
- Cookie banner appears
- Explains cookie use
- Requests your consent
- Allows you to accept or manage preferences
Your Choices:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies
- Reject Non-Essential: Block advertising/analytics cookies
- Manage Preferences: Choose specific cookie categories
GDPR Users (European Economic Area):
- Explicit consent required before non-essential cookies
- Can withdraw consent anytime
- Cookie preferences remembered
Non-GDPR Users:
- Implied consent by continued use
- Can opt out via browser settings or industry tools
Withdrawing Consent
To Withdraw Cookie Consent:
- Clear cookies in browser settings
- Change cookie preferences on our sites
- Use industry opt-out tools
- Block cookies in browser
Do Not Track (DNT)
Browser DNT Signals
Some browsers have a “Do Not Track” feature that signals you don’t want to be tracked.
Our Response:
- Currently, no industry standard exists for responding to DNT
- Our third-party partners may continue tracking despite DNT signals
- You can opt out using the methods listed above
Better Alternatives:
- Use industry opt-out tools (NAI, DAA)
- Adjust browser cookie settings
- Use privacy-focused browsers or extensions
Cookies & Your Privacy
Data Collected via Cookies
Cookies MAY Collect:
- Device information (type, OS, browser)
- IP address and general location
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring websites
- Click behavior
- Ad interactions
Cookies Generally DO NOT Collect:
- Your name (unless you provide it)
- Email address (unless you provide it)
- Precise location (GPS)
- Sensitive personal information
Data Sharing
Cookie Data May Be Shared With:
- Advertising partners
- Analytics providers
- Social media platforms
- Affiliate networks
See Our Privacy Policy for complete information on data collection, use, and sharing.
Cookie Lifespan
How Long We Keep Cookie Data
Session Data: Deleted when browser closes
Analytics Data: Retained per Google Analytics settings (typically 26 months)
Advertising Data: Retention varies by partner (typically 12-24 months)
Preference Data: Until you clear cookies or they expire
Legal Basis for Cookies
GDPR (European Users)
Legal Basis:
- Consent: For non-essential cookies (advertising, analytics)
- Legitimate Interests: For essential cookies
- Compliance: With legal obligations
Your Rights:
- Right to withdraw consent
- Right to object to processing
- Right to data access and deletion
CCPA (California Users)
Your Rights:
- Know what data is collected
- Request deletion of data
- Opt out of “sale” of data (advertising cookies may qualify)
Children’s Privacy
Our sites are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly place cookies on devices of children under 13.
Parents: If you believe we’ve collected cookie data from a child under 13, contact us at privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We May Update This Policy:
- When we add new cookie partners
- When regulations change
- To improve clarity
- At any time
Changes Are Effective upon posting with updated “Last Updated” date.
Check This Page Periodically for updates.
More Information
Related Policies
This Cookie Policy should be read with:
- Privacy Policy – Complete data practices
- Affiliate Disclosure – Affiliate link tracking
- Terms of Service – Website usage terms
Contact Us
Questions about our cookie practices?
Email: privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com
Mail:
The Global Hearth Collective, LLC
Attn: Privacy/Cookies
30 N Gould St Ste R
Sheridan, WY 82801
United States
Summary
IN PLAIN LANGUAGE:
✅ We use cookies for functionality, analytics, and advertising
✅ Essential cookies cannot be disabled (required for site operation)
✅ You can opt out of advertising and analytics cookies
✅ Third-party cookies are used by our partners
✅ You control cookies via browser settings
✅ Industry opt-out tools available (NAI, DAA)
✅ We comply with GDPR and CCPA requirements
✅ Cookie consent can be withdrawn anytime
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Version: 1.0
© 2026 The Global Hearth Collective, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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