Tara Maurer

Tara Maurer is a Des Moines-based writer with a decade-long commitment to plant-based living and eco-conscious choices. She has over 8 years of experience in the natural health industry, working at the nation’s third-oldest locally owned health food store. Tara lives a low-impact lifestyle—no car, no meat, no fast fashion—and loves sharing down-to-earth tips for sustainable living. At Earth’s Friends, she writes about sustainable wellness, clean living, and plant-based health tips. Her approach blends science-backed wellness with real-world sustainability, no perfection required.
The Oil Confusion Ends Here: Which Cooking Oil, Skin Oil, Or Supplement Should You Actually Use?
Health

The Oil Confusion Ends Here: Which Cooking Oil, Skin Oil, Or Supplement Should You Actually Use?

From olive oil to avocado, coconut, and beyond, this in-depth guide breaks down how different oils work for cooking, skincare,…
6 Chia Recipes That Keep You Full, Regular & Weirdly Obsessed
Home & Garden

6 Chia Recipes That Keep You Full, Regular & Weirdly Obsessed

They swell up like frog eggs, look kinda weird, and somehow end up in everything from pudding to banana bread.…
Stop Staring At The Ceiling: The Science Of Sleeping Better Naturally
Health

Stop Staring At The Ceiling: The Science Of Sleeping Better Naturally

Can't seem to catch your zzz's? Feel like you rarely get a good night's sleep? You're not alone. The National…
The Hidden Dangers Of Antibacterial Soap (And Why “Germ-Free” Isn’t Always Safer)
Health

The Hidden Dangers Of Antibacterial Soap (And Why “Germ-Free” Isn’t Always Safer)

Antibacterial soap once promised better protection against germs, but research and FDA rulings tell a different story. Learn how triclosan…
Homemade Almond Milk In 15 Minutes: Cheaper, Creamier, Cleaner
Health

Homemade Almond Milk In 15 Minutes: Cheaper, Creamier, Cleaner

So I have a lactose intolerance issue and have been drinking soy milk for close to 15 years in place…
6 Science-Backed Benefits of Green Tea (And How To Avoid Side Effects)
Home & Garden

6 Science-Backed Benefits of Green Tea (And How To Avoid Side Effects)

Green tea is made from a variety of sources, but originally the term “green tea” referred to the tea made…
10 Recently Extinct Animals — And Why Their Stories Still Matter
Animals

10 Recently Extinct Animals — And Why Their Stories Still Matter

Extinction isn’t just a story of the distant past — it’s happening in our lifetime. From Lonesome George, the last…
Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits Every Woman Should Know: From Period Relief to Hormone Balance
Health

Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits Every Woman Should Know: From Period Relief to Hormone Balance

Red raspberry leaf tea, not to be confused with raspberry tea, has long been used for women’s health. However, it…