Privacy Policy for EarthLeaf Garden
We maintain an unwavering dedication to protecting and preserving all personal data provided by our website visitors and service users, implementing robust and comprehensive security measures throughout our services and operations.
This policy applies where we are acting as a data controller with respect to the personal data of our website visitors and service users; in other words, where we determine the purposes and means of the processing of that personal data. In this role, we are responsible for ensuring the proper handling, processing, and protection of all personal data submitted through our website.
We may process usage data (“usage data”), which comprehensively includes browser type, operating system, page views, navigation patterns, time stamps, referral sources, length of visit, button clicks, and scroll depth. This information is collected through server logs, cookies, and website analytics tools and may include patterns of plant care article reading, garden planning tool usage, and sustainability calculator interactions. The source of this data is our analytics software and server monitoring systems. We process this information for several important purposes, including improving website performance, enhancing user experience, analyzing content effectiveness, and optimizing site navigation, which enables us to deliver more relevant content, improve site functionality, and personalize user experiences. The legal basis for this processing is our legitimate interests in monitoring and improving our website and services.
We may process account data (“account data”), which comprehensively includes name, email address, telephone number, billing address, account preferences, notification settings, and subscription status. This information is collected through registration forms, account settings pages, and subscription management interfaces and may include garden zone preferences, plant collection details, and sustainability goals. The source of this data is direct user input during account creation and management. We process this information for purposes including account authentication, service delivery, communication management, and subscription handling, which enables us to provide personalized services, maintain account security, and deliver relevant updates. The legal basis for this processing is the performance of a contract between you and us and/or taking steps, at your request, to enter into such a contract.
We may process profile data (“profile data”), which comprehensively includes gardening experience level, preferred plants, garden size, climate zone, sustainability interests, and community participation preferences. This information is collected through profile completion forms, preference settings, and community interactions and may include garden photos, project histories, and expertise areas. The source of this data is user-provided information and interaction history. We process this information for purposes including community building, content personalization, expertise matching, and resource recommendations, which enables us to foster meaningful connections, deliver targeted advice, and enhance learning experiences. The legal basis for this processing is our legitimate interests in providing personalized services and building an engaged gardening community.
Your Rights:
Right to Access: You have the right to request and receive a copy of all personal data we hold about you. This includes the ability to review collected information, verify processing purposes, and confirm data sharing practices. To exercise this right, you can submit a formal request through our dedicated data access portal or contact our privacy team at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days and may require government-issued identification, account verification details, and proof of address to verify your identity.
Right to Rectification: You have the right to request corrections or updates to any inaccurate or incomplete personal data we maintain about you. This includes the ability to update contact information, modify account details, and correct profile information. To exercise this right, you can access your account settings directly or submit a correction request through our support system. We will process valid requests within 15 days and may require account credentials, specific data corrections needed, and supporting documentation to verify your identity.
Right to Erasure: You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data when it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. This includes the ability to delete account information, remove profile content, and withdraw processing consent. To exercise this right, you can initiate an account deletion request through our privacy center or contact our support team. We will process valid requests within 30 days and may require password confirmation, deletion scope specification, and identity verification documents to verify your identity.
Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to limit how we use your personal data while we verify its accuracy or legitimate use. This includes the ability to pause data processing, temporarily disable features, and limit data sharing. To exercise this right, you can submit a processing restriction request through our privacy portal or contact our data protection team. We will respond within 15 days and may require account verification, restriction scope details, and proof of identity to verify your identity.
Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used format and transmit it to another service provider. This includes the ability to export account data, transfer profile information, and move content to other platforms. To exercise this right, you can use our data export tool or submit a portability request through our support system. We will process requests within 30 days and may require two-factor authentication, specific data format preferences, and identity verification to verify your identity.Data Processing and Security Measures
At EarthLeaf Garden (earthleafgarden.com), we carefully process various types of personal data to provide our gardening and sustainability services:
We process Service Data which includes user profiles, account settings, and gardening preferences. This processing involves automated data collection and manual review, enabling us to personalize your gardening experience. For example, in the context of gardening, this includes tracking your plant care schedules, garden layouts, and growing zone information. The legal basis for this processing is legitimate interest and contract fulfillment, specifically to provide tailored gardening advice and plant care recommendations.
We process Technical Data which includes device information, IP addresses, browser type, and site interaction patterns. This processing involves automated logging and analysis, enabling us to optimize site performance and user experience. For example, in the context of gardening, this includes adapting content display based on whether you’re accessing growing guides from mobile devices while in your garden. The legal basis for this processing is legitimate interest, specifically to ensure proper website functionality and security.
We process Communication Data which includes emails, chat messages, and support inquiries. This processing involves message storage and response management, enabling us to provide effective customer support. For example, in the context of gardening, this includes maintaining records of plant care questions and expert responses. The legal basis for this processing is consent and contract fulfillment, specifically to address your gardening queries and concerns.
We process Transaction Data which includes purchase history, payment details, and shipping information. This processing involves secure payment processing and order management, enabling us to fulfill your gardening supply orders. For example, in the context of gardening, this includes tracking seasonal plant purchases and garden tool orders. The legal basis for this processing is contract fulfillment and legal obligation, specifically to complete transactions and maintain required financial records.
We process Preference Data which includes newsletter subscriptions, content preferences, and notification settings. This processing involves preference management and content customization, enabling us to deliver relevant gardening content. For example, in the context of gardening, this includes tailoring content based on your interest in specific plant types or growing methods. The legal basis for this processing is consent, specifically to provide personalized content and communications.
Security Measures
Our security infrastructure includes:
Our comprehensive encryption protocols ensure end-to-end protection of your data, incorporating industry-standard algorithms and regular security updates to maintain data integrity. This includes regular security assessments and penetration testing by qualified professionals.
We implement multi-layered security infrastructure, including advanced firewalls and intrusion detection systems that continuously monitor for and prevent unauthorized access attempts. This infrastructure undergoes regular updates and enhancements.
Access to personal data is strictly controlled through role-based permissions, multi-factor authentication, and detailed access logs. We maintain comprehensive audit trails of all data access and modifications.
Our continuous monitoring systems provide real-time threat detection and automated response protocols, ensuring immediate action against potential security threats.
We maintain comprehensive backup procedures with encrypted offsite storage and regular recovery testing, ensuring data availability and integrity.
All staff undergo regular security awareness training and must comply with detailed data protection protocols, including specific training for handling sensitive data.
International Data Transfers
We may transfer your personal data to countries outside your jurisdiction. These transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses, Privacy Shield certification, and Binding Corporate Rules. Each international transfer is conducted under strict protocols that ensure:
– Adequate data protection standards
– Compliant processing procedures
– Enforceable data subject rights
– Effective legal remedies
International transfers are protected by EU GDPR standards, CCPA requirements, and ISO 27001 certification, ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations. We implement additional measures including:
– Regular compliance audits
– Data protection impact assessments
– Documented transfer mechanisms
– Continuous monitoring procedures
Regarding international transfers, you maintain specific rights including:
– Right to information about transfers
– Right to object to transfers
– Right to withdraw consent
– Right to data protection guarantees
Data Retention
We maintain specific retention periods for different data categories:
Account Information: Retained for the duration of active account plus 2 years to facilitate account reactivation and maintain gardening history
Usage Data: Retained for 12 months to analyze seasonal gardening patterns and improve user experience
Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years to comply with tax and financial regulations
Communication History: Retained for 3 years to maintain context for ongoing customer support
Technical Logs: Retained for 6 months for security and performance optimization
These retention periods are determined by:
– Legal requirements
– Business purposes
– Technical necessities
– User preferences
Special circumstances affecting retention:
– Legal obligations
– Dispute resolution
– Security investigationsCookie Policy
At EarthLeaf Garden, we use various types of cookies to enhance your gardening journey and provide a seamless experience across our platform.
Essential Cookies
Essential cookies serve fundamental functions for basic website operations and security. These cookies process authentication tokens and session data to enable secure access to your gardening plans and plant care records. For example, they maintain your login status while you browse through plant care guides and save items to your virtual garden planner. We use them specifically for:
– User authentication
– Security measures
– Basic site operations
– Session management
– Technical stability
Functional Cookies
Functional cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences. They process user settings data to customize your garden planning interface and plant recommendations based on your growing zone. For example, they remember your preferred units of measurement for plant spacing and watering schedules. They enable:
– Language preferences
– Region-specific content
– User interface customization
– Feature optimization
– Personalized settings
Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how gardeners interact with our content. They collect information about which plant care guides are most helpful and which garden planning tools are frequently used. For example, they track which seasonal planting calendars receive the most engagement. They monitor:
– Page interactions
– Navigation patterns
– Feature usage
– Session duration
– User preferences
Performance Cookies
Performance cookies assess and improve website operation by monitoring how quickly our plant identification tool loads and how efficiently our garden planning features respond. They help us optimize image delivery for our plant database and ensure smooth functionality of interactive features by:
– Monitoring site speed
– Identifying technical issues
– Optimizing content delivery
– Analyzing user experience
– Tracking system performance
Cookie Management
You can control cookie preferences through:
– Browser settings
– Cookie consent tools
– Privacy preferences
– Account settings
GDPR Compliance
For EU residents, we ensure:
– Explicit consent mechanisms
– Data minimization
– Purpose limitation
– Storage limitations
– Processing transparency
CCPA Compliance
California residents have additional rights:
– Right to know about personal information collected
– Right to delete personal data
– Right to opt-out of data sales
– Right to non-discrimination
– Right to access collected information
COPPA Compliance
Regarding users under 13:
– Age verification requirements
– Parental consent procedures
– Limited data collection
– Special protection measures
– Parental access rights
Updates and Changes
Policy updates involve:
– Regular review procedures
– User notifications
– Consent renewal when required
– Clear change documentation
– Continuous compliance monitoring
Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries:
– Primary Contact: [email protected]
– Response Time: Within 48 hours
– Verification Required: For data-related requests
– Available Support: Privacy concerns, data requests, rights exercise
This policy was created specifically for earthleafgarden.com and covers all associated services within the gardening industry.