Top Faqs

What is the Mission of Bears for Humanity?

Bears for Humanity mission is to manufacture safe and Eco-friendly organic products, protect our environment, create fair trade living wage jobs, and give back to causes for children, animals and environment.

What is the Vision of Bears for Humanity?

Our vision is to become the global leader and standard bearer for manufacturing certified organic products, creating fair living wage jobs to uplift people from poverty and to give back to causes for children, animals and environment around the world.

How was Bears for Humanity started?

Bears For Humanity was founded in 2013 by Renju Prathap and Vijay Prathap. Their inspiration is Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS. Bears For Humanity is founded on a simple premise: Share the love of teddy bears with children of all ages. When you give a teddy bear gift from Bears For Humanity, we give an equal quality teddy bear to a child in need.

Is Bears for Humanity a Nonprofit Organization?

Bears For Humanity recently converted to a nonprofit organization with giving at its core. We are disrupting the unethical plush toys, gifts and fast fashion/apparel industry by making safe certified organic and Eco-friendly products.

OUR BEARS, PLUSH TOYS & APPAREL

What material do you use to make teddy bears and other plushies?

Our teddy bears, plushies, and apparel are made with 100% certified organic cotton. Our plushies are stuffed using organic corn PLA filling, and they are dyed using certified organic dyes.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton comes from natural, non-GMO seeds and is grown without the use of pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides. As a result, organic cotton products are safer for the skin. GMO cotton contains toxins that harm farmers, workers, consumers, and entire wildlife ecosystems. Growing organic cotton keeps farmers and their families safe. They are not exposed to toxic chemicals in the field or through their food and water supply. It also means farmers can grow more than one crop, which supplements their food and income.

What are the benefits of organic cotton plush to children?

Organic cotton is safe and super soft, making it the perfect material for children’s clothing and toys. It is hypoallergenic and also has antimicrobial properties. Because it is organic, no harsh chemicals are used to grow, harvest, or process the cotton.

What filling do you use to stuff your organic plush toys?

Our plush toys are stuffed with organic corn PLA fiber filling. Organic PLA fiber is an eco-friendly alternative to other synthetic types of fibers.

What is Corn PLA fiber?

Organic PLA fiber is an eco-friendly alternative to other synthetic types of fibers. It is produced from renewable plant resources, such as corn or potatoes. All PLA fibers used to create our bears are also certified organic, meaning the corn used to produce these fibers is GMO-free.

What are the benefits of Corn PLA?

PLA fibers require much less fossil fuel energy and resources to produce. They also are readily biodegradable, making their lasting impact on the Earth much smaller than similar synthetic fibers. PLA fibers are hypoallergenic and won’t cause irritation like some natural fibers such as wool.

What makes your plush the safest plush in the world?

We have worked hard to ensure that all components of our bears, (material, stuffing, and dyes,) are as safe as possible for all children. All materials used are organic and non-toxic. We also do not use bead eyes, instead, our plushie’s eyes are stitched on. Our plush animals are guaranteed safe for ages 0 and up!

CHEMICALS, TOXINS, AND DANGEROUS ADDITIVES IN TRADITIONAL PLUSH GOODS

Do you use chemicals and heavy metals in your products?

Our plush animals, toys, and apparel are chemical-free and do not contain any heavy metals.

Do you use flame retardants in your plush?

Our plush animals, toys, and apparel do not contain flame retardants. In fact, because our products are made with 100% organic cotton, they are naturally flame-retardant!

What is flame retardant?

Flame retardants are chemicals added to products to prevent fires from starting or to help slow the spread of fire. Flame retardants can include a variety of different substances, including harsh chemicals and other toxic materials.

What are the harmful effects of flame retardants on children?

Flame retardants can have many different negative effects on children and adults alike. They can cause problems such as skin irritation and allergies, and they have also been linked to more serious problems like neurological development issues, impact on the immune system, and even cancer.

HOW AND WHERE OUR PLUSHIES ARE MADE

Where do you make your plush toys and gifts?

All of our plush animals, toys, and gifts are made in Fair Trade facilities in India. Our products are all handmade with extreme care and lots of love.

Why did you choose to make plush gifts from India?

By producing our bears and plush animals in India, we are able to provide stable, living-wage jobs to people that otherwise may be forced to work in dangerous or unfair conditions. At Bears for Humanity, one of our missions is to do our part to uplift people from poverty. All of our plushies are created in Fair Trade facilities for this reason.

What do you mean by ethically sourced?

We are proud that our entire production process can be described as ethically sourced. Our plushies are made with 100% GOTS organic cotton. This label ensures that production of the cotton does not harm the Earth or anyone farming or producing it. The cotton is then processed, cut, and sewn into our plush animals in Fair Trade facilities.

What is Fair Trade?

Fairtrade is a system of certification that aims to ensure a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product or ingredient. For farmers and workers, Fairtrade means workers' rights, safer working conditions, and fairer pay. For shoppers, it means high-quality, ethically-produced products. (www.fairtrade.org)

What are the guiding principles of Fair Trade?

The goal of Fair Trade is to create products that protect the Earth as well as the people who farm, harvest, or produce the products. It ensures that consumers have access to safer, greener, ethically sourced, and produced goods.

Why do other companies not follow the Fair Trade model?

Many, if not most, companies around the world do not choose to follow Fair Trade policies. Unfortunately, it is easier and cheaper to make products that rely on heavy chemicals or processes that damage the Earth. It is also cheaper to rely on contract labor, which exploits workers and can lead to dangerous, unfair, and otherwise unethical working conditions.

WHY IS POLYESTER A PROBLEM?

What material is used by other plush manufacturers, like G.U.N.D., Jelly Cat, Ty, Aurora, Wild Republic, etc., to make plush toys?

In the past, stuffed animals were created using natural materials, like wool or silk. Nowadays, the majority of stuffed animals and other plush goods on the market are made from polyester.

What is polyester?

Polyester is a form of plastic created from a reaction between petroleum, coal, air, and water.

How do you make polyester?

To create polyester fabrics or materials, plastic PET pellets are melted and then passed through machines that mold the heated plastic into threads or fibers. This process uses massive amounts of energy and releases toxic chemicals into the air and water supplies.

What are the harmful effects of polyester on children?

Because polyester is a plastic, flame retardants are added to the end product to make it “safer.” These flame retardants are harsh chemicals that can cause allergies and skin irritation in children. They have also been linked to more serious issues, such as altered brain development, immune system problems, and even cancer.

What are the dangers of giving plush polyester toys to children in hospitals?

Many people choose to donate plush goods to children in hospitals to help spread smiles and encouragement. Unfortunately, polyester products that are coated in flame retardants and made from chemicals can have adverse effects on extra-sensitive children with compromised immune systems. Next time, choose to donate a 100% organic cotton plushie from Bears from Humanity! Our bears are the only bears on the market that are guaranteed safe for even the most sensitive child.

BEARS FOR HUMANITY INFLUENCER PROGRAM

What is the Bears for Humanity Influencer Program?

The Bears for Humanity Influencer Program is a special opportunity for social influencers to give back while earning some great perks. We are especially excited to work with Moms and Dads of younger kids who are passionate about organic lifestyles and safe children’s products.

What types of Influencers does Bears for Humanity work with?

As one of the few producers of completely organic children’s toys, apparel, and gifts, we are especially excited to work with Influencers that share that passion, or are active in related niches. If you are a Mom or Dad with a little one who is growing up organic, we would love to meet you! We are also happy to connect with Influencers that promote organic farming and products, Fair Trade standards and global workers’ rights, safe children’s products, and children’s health.

What are the benefits of participating in the Influencer program?

Perks of participating in the Bears for Humanity Influencer Program include free products, sales commissions, product sneak peeks, and more!

How can I join the Influencer program?

Think you would be a good fit for our Influencer program? We would love to meet you! Sign up today to join our Influencer program and we will be in touch soon.

Working For Change

How many Children are in Need?

Nearly one-quarter of all American children live in households that are below the federal poverty line. Millions more experience short-term and situational hardships like temporary household unemployment or illness. It is the goal of Bears for Humanity to assist these millions of children by bringing the simple joy of a teddy bear into their lives.

Poverty

The United States has one of the highest rates of childhood poverty in the world, with nearly 25 million children living in households considered in poverty. These are the children that most often go without gifts at birthdays and other holidays, and it is for them that Bears for Humanity was founded.

Ordering On BearsForHumanity.com

What forms of payment does BearsForHumanity.com accept?

BearsForHumanity.org accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. We do not accept checks or cash at this time. Please note that we only accept one form of payment per order.

When I try to check-out, I receive an error message. Can you help?

Please verify that the billing information you have entered is the same as the information that your bank has on file. If you enter billing information that your bank does not have on file, then your order will not go through.

How do I know if my order was successfully placed?

After your order is submitted you will be directed to an order confirmation page with your order number. If you've reached this page, you can be assured your order did go through and will be processed. You should also receive an email confirmation shortly after your order is submitted.

Returns

What is your Return Policy?

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, we do not accept any returns of plush toys and apparel. If there are any holes, splitting in the seams of the hand made plush toys after gentle use within 30 days of purchase, we will ship a replacement product at no cost to the customer. Our normal pre-COVID Pandemic return policy is as follows: We accept teddy bears, organic plush toys and apparel purchased exclusively from www.BearsforHumanity.com in original condition within 15 days from the date of purchase. All products must be in original packaging and unopened. Any product packaging that has been opened is considered not in original condition is subject to $20.00 fee for re-stocking and charitable give away.

How can I Return a teddy bear and other plush gifts?

Please email us at: CustomerService@BearsForHumanity.com with your order number and contact information to reach you. Returns can be sent to: Bears For Humanity Return BEARS FOR HUMANITY 220 Rocky View Lane Georgetown, TX 78628 Please include your original order receipt. All products must be in unopened original package. Include a note about why you wish to return the product.

How long does it take to get a Refund?

Once we receive your return, please allow up to 7 to 10 business days to process your request. When your return has been processed you will receive an email notification that your refund was processed. Depending on your bank, the refund may take an additional 5-7 business days to post to your account.

Why do you charge a Restocking Fee?

Bears for Humanity manufactures certified organic plush toys, gifts and apparel souvenirs. We are a Nonprofit organization. If a product packaging is opened, we cannot resell the product due to possible contamination and exposure to germs and bacteria. Every customer has the right to receive a safe certified organic product. All returned products are set aside for charitable giving after testing and cleansing for contamination. This requires time and effort from skilled people. This is why we charge a restocking fee.

Shipping

How long does it take for my order to ship, once it has been placed online?

Bears For Humanity processes all orders within 1-2 hour of order placement. Due to COVID and Omicron Variant, all orders within the United States may take 24-72 hours to be processed and shipped. You will receive a tracking number along with your shipping confirmation email once the order has processed and shipped. We cannot cancel any order once they are placed.

Do you ship to UK and EU?

Bears for Humanity is preparing to ship to customers in UK and EU from local fulfillment centers in UK and EU starting February, 2022. We will fulfill to UK customers from our fulfillment center in Manchester. For EU customers, we will fulfill orders from our facility in Belfast.

How much does shipping and handling costs?

Teh cost of shipping and handling varies by the type of service you choose for delivery. We work with reputable 3rd party companies for eCommerce fulfillment. We use UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL and other service providers in the USA and globally. Shipping costs vary based on destination, service type, and weight of the package.

Do you ship to P.O. Boxes or Military APO/FPO addresses?

No. FedEx does not deliver to P.O. Boxes. FedEx also does not ship to Military addresses.

Get Involved

I work with NGO's / Non-Profit. How can we partner with Bears for Humanity to drive donations?

Bears For Humanity is always open to working with NGO's and Non-Profit organizations. We listen to all voices of need. Please send a detailed message regarding your mission, vision, contact information and your suggested plan and campaign to drive donations through Bears For Humanity to Renju Prathap. Send an email to CustomerService@bearsforhumanity.com

I want a job at Bears for Humanity. How can I apply?

Bears For Humanity is growing. We are committed to sharing and caring for causes that impact our community across the great land - United States! Please send us your resume to CustomerService@bearsforhumanity.com.

How do I apply to be an Intern?

Bears For Humanity is growing and expanding. We are committed to sharing and caring for causes that impact our community across the great land - United States! Please send us your resume to CustomerService@bearsforhumanity.com..

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