Cookie Policy
Last Updated: August 2026
Indoor Plant Care Guide (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Company”) uses cookies on the indoorplantcareguide.com website (“Site”). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.
For complete information about data we collect and your privacy rights, see our Privacy Policy.
What Are Cookies?
Definition
A cookie is a small file placed on your device (computer, phone, tablet) that contains text data. Cookies are stored locally on your browser and sent to our Site’s servers when you visit.
Cookies allow websites to:
- Remember information about your visit
- Recognize you when you return
- Understand how you use the site
- Improve your user experience
How Cookies Work
User visits Site → Browser stores cookie → Browser sends cookie to server with each page request → Server reads cookie data
1.3 Cookies Are Not
- ❌ Viruses or malware
- ❌ Programs that can access your files
- ❌ Able to execute code
- ❌ Able to damage your computer
Cookies are just small text files with data.
Types of Cookies We Use
Cookie Categories
We use cookies in the following categories:
1. Essential/Technical Cookies (Required)
- Purpose: Necessary for Site function
- Consent required: NO (legal exemption)
- Can be disabled: Yes, but Site may not work properly
Examples:
- Session ID cookies (keep you logged in)
- Security cookies (protect against fraud)
- CSRF protection (prevent cross-site attacks)
- Language preference cookies
Retention: Session only (deleted when browser closes)
2. Analytics Cookies (Optional)
- Purpose: Understand how visitors use the Site
- Consent required: YES (GDPR requirement)
- Can be disabled: YES (you control this)
Examples:
- Google Analytics cookies
- Page view tracking
- Traffic source tracking
- Device/browser information
Retention: 38 months (then auto-deleted)
What we track:
- Pages you visit
- Time spent on each page
- Referral source
- Device type & browser
- Geographic location (approximate, by IP)
What we DON’T track:
- Personal information (name, email)
- Browsing on other sites
- Behavioral profiles
- Sensitive information
3. Preference Cookies (Optional)
- Purpose: Remember your choices
- Consent required: Optional (good to have consent)
- Can be disabled: YES
Examples:
- Dark/light mode preference
- Language selection
- Text size preference
- Cookie consent choice (your “remember me”)
Retention: 1 year (or until you clear them)
4. Advertising Cookies (Optional – When AdSense Launches)
- Purpose: Serve relevant, non-personalized ads
- Consent required: YES (GDPR requirement)
- Can be disabled: YES
Note: We do NOT use advertising cookies currently. When we launch Google AdSense (future):
- AdSense cookies will be COPPA-compliant
- Interest-based tracking will be DISABLED for under-13 visitors
- Remarketing will be disabled
- Only relevant ad categories shown
Retention: 13 months
Detailed Cookie List
Our Current Cookies
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Retention | Consent |
| PHPSESSID | Essential | Session tracking | Session | No |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics ID | 2 years | Yes |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics session | 24 hours | Yes |
| _gat | Analytics | Google Analytics throttle | 1 minute | Yes |
| cookie_consent | Preference | Your cookie choices | 1 year | Yes |
| site_language | Preference | Language preference | 1 year | No |
Note: Additional cookies may be added as Site features evolve. We will update this list.
Third-Party Cookies
Google Analytics:
- Provider: Google LLC
- Purpose: Traffic analysis
- Cookies: _ga, _gid, _gat
- Privacy: Google Analytics Privacy Policy
- Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On
Google AdSense (When Launched):
- Provider: Google LLC
- Purpose: Serve relevant ads
- COPPA Compliance: Enabled (no interest-based ads for under-13)
- Privacy: Google AdSense Privacy Policy
Cloudflare (CDN/Hosting):
- Provider: Cloudflare Inc.
- Purpose: Site security & performance
- Cookies: Minimal security cookies
- Privacy: Cloudflare Privacy Policy
Cookie Consent & Your Choices
Consent Requirements (GDPR)
For EEA residents (GDPR):
We ask for your consent BEFORE setting non-essential cookies:
- Analytics cookies (optional)
- Preference cookies (optional)
- Advertising cookies (when launched)
Consent methods:
- Cookie banner on Site (accept/reject)
- Cookie settings page (customize preferences)
- Browser settings (disable cookies globally)
How to Give/Withdraw Consent
Option 1: Cookie Banner (when you visit)
- Accept all → All cookies enabled
- Reject → Essential only
- Customize → Choose which cookies
Option 2: Cookie Settings Page
- Change preferences anytime
- Update your choices instantly
- No page reload required
Option 3: Browser Settings
- Disable all cookies
- Block specific domains
- Clear cookies on exit
How to Manage Cookies
Accept/Reject Cookies
On This Site:
When you visit, you’ll see a cookie banner with options:
We use cookies to understand your visit and improve our Site.
[Accept All] [Reject] [Customize]
- Accept All → Enable all optional cookies
- Reject → Essential cookies only
- Customize → Choose specific cookie types
Your choice is saved and remembered.
Change Your Cookie Preferences
Anytime after initial choice:
- Visit your Cookie Settings page
- Toggle each cookie type ON/OFF
- Click “Save Preferences”
- Changes take effect immediately
Browser-Level Cookie Management
In Google Chrome:
- Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- “Allow all cookies” OR “Block all cookies” OR “Customize”
- Add specific sites to allowlist/blocklist
In Firefox:
- Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Choose your level: “Accept all” / “Reject all” / “Reject third-party”
In Safari:
- Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Choose: “Always allow” / “Allow from websites I visit” / “Never allow”
In Edge:
- Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and other site data
- Choose your preference level
Clear Existing Cookies
Chrome:
- Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data
- Select “Cookies and other site data”
- Choose time range → Click “Clear data”
Firefox:
- Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Click “Clear Data”
Safari:
- Develop menu (must enable first) → Empty Caches
- OR Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge:
- Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
- Select “Cookies and other site data” → Click “Clear now”
COPPA Compliance & Children’s Cookies
Legal Basis for Cookies
For EEA residents (GDPR Article 6):
We use cookies based on:
GDPR & EEA Compliance
Our edit7.1 Legal Basis for Cookies
For EEA residents (GDPR Article 6):
We use cookies based on:
| Cookie Type | Legal Basis |
| Essential | Legitimate interest (Site function) |
| Analytics | Consent (you must opt-in) |
| Preference | Consent (your preference) |
| Advertising | Consent (you must opt-in) |
Your GDPR Rights
You have the right to:
- Know what cookies are used ← This policy
- Give/withdraw consent ← Cookie banner & settings
- Access cookie data ← Contact us
- Delete cookies ← Browser settings or contact us
- Opt-out of tracking ← Google Analytics opt-out tool
- Lodge a complaint ← Your national Data Protection Authority
See our GDPR & EEA Compliance policy for complete rights details.
Cookie Consent Records
We maintain records of:
- When you gave consent
- Which cookies you consented to
- Any changes you made
- When you withdrew consent
You can request: Email [email protected]
Subject: “Cookie Consent History”
We’ll provide your consent records within 5 business days.
Third-Party Cookies & Tracking
Third-Party Analytics
Google Analytics:
- Cookies set by Google, not by us
- Google collects & processes data
- We receive reports only (aggregate, anonymized)
- Your IP is anonymized
- Google’s privacy policy applies
Your choices:
- Opt out via Google Analytics Opt-Out Add-On
- Adjust Google Ad Settings
- Use “Do Not Track” browser feature
External Links & Cookies
When you click links to third-party sites:
- Those sites may set their own cookies
- We are NOT responsible for their cookies
- Their privacy policies apply
- Review before visiting
Examples of sites you might visit:
- University extension programs (Cornell, UF IFAS)
- Government databases (USDA, EPA, ASPCA)
- Product retailer sites
- Social media sites
Security & Cookie Safety
Cookie Security
Our cookies are:
- ✅ Encrypted in transit (HTTPS)
- ✅ Set with secure flag (HTTPS only)
- ✅ Set with HttpOnly flag (JavaScript cannot access)
- ✅ Not shared with unauthorized third parties
What Cookies Cannot Do
Cookies CANNOT:
- ❌ Access your files
- ❌ Execute code
- ❌ Carry viruses
- ❌ Identify you personally (unless you log in)
- ❌ Track you on other sites (unless explicitly set for that)
Protecting Yourself
You can:
- ✅ Disable cookies (though Site may not work properly)
- ✅ Clear cookies regularly
- ✅ Use browser privacy settings
- ✅ Use privacy-focused browsers
- ✅ Use browser extensions
Changes to This Cookie Policy
Updates
We may update this policy when:
- We add new cookies
- We change how we use cookies
- Regulations change (GDPR, COPPA updates)
- Best practices evolve
Notification
- Date posted at top of this policy
- Change summary if major changes
- Your consent: May be needed for new cookie types
Last Updated: August 2026
Relationship to Other Policies
This Cookie Policy Works With:
- Privacy Policy How we use all data, including cookies
- GDPR & EEA Compliance Your rights as EEA resident
- COPPA Compliance Child protection & cookie restrictions
- Terms & Conditions Legal terms of use
- About Us Our commitment to transparency
Read all policies together for complete understanding.
“Do Not Track” Signals
Browser DNT Feature
Some browsers have “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature:
- You enable DNT in browser settings
- Browser sends DNT signal to websites
- Currently, we do not respond to DNT signals
- However, you can:
- Disable cookies (browser settings)
- Opt out of Google Analytics (add-on)
- Reject analytics in our cookie banner
Recommendation: Use our cookie settings (most reliable).
FAQ About Cookies
Contact & Support
Questions About Cookies
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: “Cookie Policy Question”
Include:
- Your question
- Which cookie concerns you (if specific)
- Your browser type (optional but helpful)
Response time: Within 5 business days
Requests Regarding Cookies
- Cookie consent records: See Section 7.3
- Opt-out of analytics: Google Analytics Opt-Out
- Delete your cookies: Use browser settings (see Section 5.4)
- Change preferences: Cookie Settings
Complaints About Cookies
For EEA residents with GDPR concerns: Contact your national Data Protection Authority. See GDPR & EEA Compliance for authority contact information
Changes to This Policy
Last Updated: August 2026
When we change this policy:
- New date will appear at top
- Summary of changes provided
- Your continued use = acceptance of new policy
Questions about cookies? We’re here to help.
Contact Us | Privacy Policy | GDPR Rights | COPPA Protection
We believe in transparency. These are the cookies we use. That’s it.