Earth Day at Vermont Teddy Bear
How We Make Every Cuddle Count
Every hug has a story—and on Earth Day, it’s also a chance to make a difference.
At Vermont Teddy Bear, we believe the things we treasure most should be made to last. That’s why we’re always looking for thoughtful ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and care for the world our cuddly companions call home. From giving well-loved Bears a second life to reimagining materials and reducing our energy use, we try to find thoughtful changes and stitch them into everything we do.
Because when a stuffed animal is made for a lifetime of love, we try to find ways to be better to the planet, too.
The Bear Hospital
Not all heroes wear capes—some carry needles and thread.
Meet Dr. Pam, the heart and soul of our Bear Hospital. With more than 25 years of experience, she’s seen it all: loose seams, worn fur, mystery stains, and even the occasional “ruff” encounter. But to her, every patient is worth saving.
When a beloved Bear arrives, Dr. Pam begins with a careful check-in. Each plush is thoughtfully triaged, with details like name, age, and even “allergies” noted on the admitting form (peanut allergies are surprisingly common). From there, she gets to work—repairing, restoring, and bringing each cherished companion back to full, huggable health in just a few weeks.
This isn’t just about fixing stuffed animals. It’s about preserving memories, extending lifetimes, and keeping meaningful gifts out of the landfill.
Every year, our Bear Hospital rescues over 1,000–1,500 Bears and stuffed animals, giving them many more years of love. Because some things are simply too special to throw away.
Filled with Purpose
What if yesterday’s plastic could become tomorrow’s favorite hug?
Our plush stuffing is made from recycled plastic bottles right here in North Carolina, transforming waste into something soft, safe, and snuggly. On average, each stuffed animal saves 27 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills—turning what was once discarded into something deeply cherished.
And those small choices add up in a big way. So far, we’ve helped keep over 178 million plastic bottles out of the waste stream by giving them a second life inside our plush creations.
It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact: take something that would be thrown away and turn it into something that’s loved every day.
Because the best gifts don’t just feel good—they do good, too.
Our 6 FT Plush save 480 bottles per plush!
Discover All of the Bears made with Recycled Stuffing
A Brighter Future
Sometimes, big change starts with something as simple as flipping a switch.
Across our facilities, we’ve replaced more than 1,300 lights with energy-efficient LED lighting—reducing our energy use and lowering our environmental impact in a meaningful way. The result? A reduction of over 60,000 pounds of carbon emissions every year.
That’s the equivalent of taking several cars off the road or planting thousands of trees annually. LED lighting not only uses significantly less electricity, but it also lasts longer, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.
By making smarter energy choices, we’re helping cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources—creating a cleaner, brighter future for the next generation of Bear lovers.
Because caring for the planet isn’t just about big moments. It’s about the everyday decisions that add up over time.
Come see where it’s made.
This Earth Day, we’re reminded that even the smallest acts—like mending a seam, reusing materials, or saving energy—can add up to something meaningful over time.
At Vermont Teddy Bear, we’re focused on making thoughtful choices where we can, with care for both people and the planet. And when you bring one of our Bears home, you become part of that ongoing effort, too.
Because a lifetime of hugs is really about what we all put into the world—one small choice at a time.