welcome to

Living Planet Friendly

imperfect environmentalist & from scratch cook

Hi there, I’m Maria!

Content Creator | Cookbook Author

I am a western New York-based content creator and imperfect environmentalist who is passionate about the protection of our planet, climate justice, and slow living.

My goal is to educate others on the climate crisis and possible solutions, influence others to be conscious of their actions that impact the planet, advocate for the protection of our beautiful planet, and inspire low waste lifestyles and zero waste practices.

After rediscovering my love of cooking and baking, I started restocking my kitchen with preservative-free foods, sharing my favorite restock-friendly recipes with the internet. I wrote a cookbook in 2024 with 50 of my most popular recipes.

Living Planet Friendly, est. January 27, 2022

Content Creator &
Small Business Owner

I work with brands with shared values to educate people on how to live a more sustainable life through partnerships & UGC content.

I also manage a small business, selling dishwasher-safe pantry and cleaning labels.

Sustainability Expert,
Activist & Educator

I am always sharing ways people can take action in their own communities to protect the planet, as well as advocating for accessibility in the eco-space. Check out my book, Living Planet Friendly: A Simple Guide to Slow Living.

Join the community of 1M people across various platforms who are learning about living an imperfectly low waste lifestyle.

Cookbook Author &
Recipe Developer

I developed a series of recipes that are easy to make from scratch and in large batches during Homemade Kitchen Restocks. While I mostly eat plant-based, these recipes can be adapted for any diet, lifestyle or food restriction.

In 2024, I wrote a cookbook, From Scratch, with 50 of my most popular restock recipes.

Living Planet Friendly:
A Simple Guide To Slow Living

In a world that feels faster, louder and more disposable than ever, Living Planet Friendly: A Simple Guide to Slow Living offers an alternative life. Part climate education, part practical handbook, this book empowers you to make everyday choices that protect the planet, while enriching your own, slow life. Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or are looking to go further, this book is both a practical guide and an inspiring call to action. With warmth and encouragement, Maria shows that slowing down, consuming less and learning traditional skills can help us live a richer, more joyful life that’s better for people and the planet.

From Scratch

The internet has exploded with “homemade kitchen restock” trends, and many people are transitioning to an “ingredient household.” While videos of traditional housewives making everything from scratch in a beautifully aesthetic way have inspired many, they can also be discouraging and seem unattainable to the average person. My goal is, and always has been, to provide accessible recipes that are easy to follow using ingredients readily available at your grocery store and don’t require an entire day in the kitchen. Whether you’re just starting out cooking from scratch, or you’re a seasoned pro, this cookbook will help you on your journey of preparing and eating homemade food.

Simple Syrups From Scratch

Looking for a cookbook of just Simple Syrups? Here’s your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash. The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: hot chocolate, teas, lemonades, sparkling water or infused water, ginger bug drinks, cocktails or mocktails, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, add to overnight oats, brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, in frosting or glazes, drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, add to smoothies or milkshakes, make salad dressings, homemade popsicles and so much more!


free monthly newsletter

Sign up to receive freebies straight to your inbox

low waste living guide, decluttering
challenge & home reset templates

listen to the podcast

  • Talking In Spirals
  • hosted by Brennan & Maria, where we chat all about slow living. Brennan & Maria are long distance friends and full time content creators in the environmental space. In our podcast we explore sustainability, conscious consumerism, minimalism, mental health, low waste living and so much more. Come hang out with us every other week and see what we’re spiraling about.

    new episodes every other week — currently on break

Contact: LivingPlanetFriendly@gmail.com