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.
Is Your Tap Water Good Enough? When A Whole-House Water Filter Is Worth It
Health
4 weeks ago
Is Your Tap Water Good Enough? When A Whole-House Water Filter Is Worth It
A whole-house water filter can treat sediment, chlorine, odors or other specific concerns throughout your home, but it is not…
I Make My Own Cleaning Products: These Are The Recipes That Actually Work
Climate & Planet
August 13, 2026
I Make My Own Cleaning Products: These Are The Recipes That Actually Work
You don't need a cabinet full of specialty cleaners to tackle everyday messes. These are the homemade cleaning products I…
How Do Hybrid Cars Work? Everything You Need to Know
Climate & Planet
July 30, 2026
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…
Energy Vampires Are Everywhere (But Easy To Defeat): Tiny Habits That Cut Your Power Bill Fast
Home & Garden
July 17, 2026
Energy Vampires Are Everywhere (But Easy To Defeat): Tiny Habits That Cut Your Power Bill Fast
Respect your mother! Mother Earth, that is! Earth Day is April 22. But you don’t need an excuse to save…
The Oil Confusion Ends Here: Which Cooking Oil, Skin Oil, Or Supplement Should You Actually Use?
Health
January 12, 2026
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
January 12, 2026
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
November 13, 2025
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
November 4, 2025
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
October 18, 2025
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…
Cast Iron: The Heavyweight Champion of the Kitchen — Benefits, Myths, and Care Tips
Home & Garden
October 8, 2025
Cast Iron: The Heavyweight Champion of the Kitchen — Benefits, Myths, and Care Tips
My mom gave me one of her cast iron pans, and I’ll admit, I’ve never used it. To be honest,…