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.
How Do Hybrid Cars Work? Everything You Need to Know
Climate & Planet

How Do Hybrid Cars Work? Everything You Need to Know

Hybrid cars seem almost magical. They drive using electricity, switch to gasoline when needed, and somehow recharge themselves along the…
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…