Sophie Hirsh
Executive EditorLocation: New YorkEducation: Muhlenberg CollegeSophie Hirsh is a New York-based writer. She was part of the Green Matters team from 2019 through 2025, first as Senior Editor before being promoted to Executive Editor.
You can contact her via www.sophiehirsh.com.
More From Sophie Hirsh
It's International Polar Bear Day — How to Honor Mamas and Cubs, Who Are Threatened by Climate Change
International Polar Bear Day specifically honors mama polar bears and their cubs — half of whom don't make it to adulthood.
Why Mars Is Red Has Always Been a Mystery. Now, NASA Knows Why.
A study, conducted in part by NASA, indicates why Mars is red — and, more importantly, what this says about potential life on Mars.
Meet the Black Women Elders Farming on Harriet Tubman's Ancestral Lands (Exclusive)
The short documentary 'The Aunties,' being rereleased for Black History Month, tells the story of two Black farmers reclaiming Harriet Tubman's ancestral lands.
Once Caged and Abandoned, 2 Tigers Celebrate Anniversaries at Texas Animal Sanctuary
Tigers Elsa and Loki were rescued from captivity in February 2019 and February 2021, and are now living healthy lives at Black Beauty Ranch.
Jeremiah Brent Reveals If 'Queer Eye' Will Return to Vegas for Season 10 (Exclusive)
'Queer Eye' typically stays in the same city for two seasons before moving onto the next — but for Season 10, things will be different.
How Jeremiah Brent Keeps ‘Queer Eye’ Home Makeovers As Sustainable As Possible (Exclusive)
Green Matters spoke exclusively with 'Queer Eye' interior designer Jeremiah Brent, who explained how sustainability fits into his work on the reality show, as well as into life with his family.
The Humane Society Has Rebranded With a New Name
The Humane Society is now known as Humane World for Animals, which the organization hopes will better convey its mission of serving animals.
Have an Old Fur Coat? These Organizations Can Use It to Help Wildlife
If you want to recycle or donate an old fur coat, there are a number of options!
29 Facts About Black History and Changemakers, From Beyoncé to Frederick Douglass
Here are Black History Month facts for each day of February, about the history of the month, Black changemakers, and more.
Black History Month: Films to Stream About Systemic Racism, Climate Justice, and More
In honor of Black History Month, check out these movies, documentaries, shows, and docuseries, that are all available for streaming.
How Many Eggs Should Hens Actually Lay? What’s Happening in Factory Farms vs. Nature
Humans have bred and manipulated hens to lay eggs far more frequently than they would naturally.
For 139 Years, Punxsutawney Phil Has Been Kept in Captivity
While many may assume Punxsutawney Phil is treated like an absolute king, unfortunately, the truth of his year-round residence is a bit disappointing.
What Is the Paris Agreement? Everything You've Been Wondering About the Landmark Climate Accord
The Paris Agreement is an important agreement signed by countries all around the globe in 2016 — here's what it entails.
How Martin Luther King Jr. Laid the Groundwork for the Climate Justice Movement
Martin Luther King Jr. used his voice to advocate for environmental justice on multiple occasions. Here's a look at that side of his incredible activism.
Girl Scout Cookies Have Six Vegan Offerings in 2025 — What To Know
If you're a plant-based eater with a sweet tooth, Girl Scout Cookie season might be your Olympics. Here's what to know about the six vegan flavors of 2025.
Thanksgiving Instagram Captions to Show Off Your Vegan or Zero-Waste Turkey Day
Looking for an Instagram caption for your vegan or zero-waste Thanksgiving meal? We've rounded up some funny, thought-provoking, and clever ideas!
The Turkeys the President Pardons Have a Better Fate Than Those in the Slaughterhouse
The turkeys who the president pardons each Thanksgiving are treated to a fate better than the slaughterhouse — but it's still not ideal for the animals.
A Portion of the Great Barrier Reef Has Lost Over One Third of Its Coral — Details
What is happening to the Great Barrier Reef, exactly? Data shows how climate change has contributed to coral bleaching.
The New Species Experts Have Discovered — or Rediscovered — Throughout 2024
In 2024, a number of new animal species were discovered (and rediscovered!) including snakes, dinosaurs, jaguars, and more.
November's Beaver Moon Is the Last Supermoon of 2024 — Details Here
The Beaver Moon is November's full moon name, but luckily for those in November 2024, it's also the fourth (and final) supermoon of the year.
How to Celebrate World Vegan Month This November
Every Nov. 1, World Vegan Day kicks off World Vegan Month, and celebrates the vegan lifestyle.
The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Candy for a Sweet Halloween 2024
Many Halloween candies you know and love happen to be vegan.
Polar Bear Week 2024: How to Help Protect Polar Bears From Climate Change
Polar Bear Week falls during the annual polar bear migration — here are all the details on the 2024 holiday.
How to Honor Indigenous Peoples' Day: Where to Donate & Resources to Learn More
Here are a few ways to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day, an annual holiday that falls every October.
7 Nontoxic Makeup Brands That Are Safe for Children
There are a few brands making clean, nontoxic, cruelty-free, and vegan cosmetics that are safe for children, with products ranging from blush to eyeshadow to nail polish.
14 Fashion Companies With Their Own Resell Programs, From Carhartt to Lululemon
In recent years, more and more companies have launched buyback and resell programs, allowing customers to send their old items back in exchange for money or store credit.
Lana Condor Is Tackling Climate Change with Positivity (Exclusive)
In an exclusive interview with Green Matters, actress Lana Condor opened up about her passion for protecting the planet.
How Gen Z Made Fast Fashion Uncool (Exclusive)
We spoke with fashion experts Maya Penn and Sara Walker to unpack how younger generations, notably Gen Z, are leading the anti-fast fashion movement.
Multi-Year Study Finds Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate: What You Should Know
Research has found heavy metals — lead and cadmium — in dark chocolate made by a few popular brands.
These Certified Flushable Wet Wipes Are *Actually* Flushable
Natracare was the first brand to receive the U.K.'s "Fine to Flush" certification for its flushable wet wipes.
Are Fireworks Bad for the Environment? What to Know for July 4th
The environmental impact of fireworks includes emitting CO2 and contaminating lakes or rivers with marine life.
Lance Bass Is Making Sustainability a "Fun and Integral" Part of Life for His Kids (Exclusive)
We spoke exclusively with Lance Bass about the EMA IMPACT Summit, how he teachers sustainability to his kids, and music.
Coldplay Reduces Tour Emissions 59% After 2022 Greenwashing Accusations
The band Coldplay started on tour in 2021, but partnered with a greenwashing oil company. In 2024, the tour reduced emissions by 59%.
#ShowYourStripes Day Highlights How Disturbingly Global Temperature Has Risen
Show Your Stripes Day is an annual holiday that visually explains just how sharply the planet's average temperature has increased.
Eco-Friendly Hair Ties and Scrunchies to Get You Through Bad Hair Days, Sustainably
These eco-friendly hair ties and scrunchies will get you through any bad hair day, sustainably.
How to Stay Cool in the Hot Weather, As Heat Advisories Sweep the Nation
Here are some easy ways to stay cool in the heat while on the go.
Black Environmental Activists to Follow This Juneteenth
In honor of Juneteenth, we’ve rounded up seven incredible Black environmental activists who we recommend following on Instagram.
Hillary Clinton, Ted Danson, and More Talk Climate Action at EMA IMPACT Summit (Exclusive)
We spoke exclusively with the Environmental Media Association's CEO to learn more about the EMA IMPACT Summit 2024.
Every June, World Oceans Day Calls Attention to Our Planet's "Life Source"
Every June, World Oceans Day, aka World Ocean Day, aims to remind people all around the world of how important it is to protect our major oceans.
10 Facts About Pride Month — and Why It's a Protest, Not a Party
In honor of Pride Month, we’re sharing 10 facts about Pride Month, from the history of the holiday to info on how to celebrate.
Will 6 Planets Really Be Visible in Parade of Planets? Exaggerated Reports Will Lead to Disappointment
A parade of planets — six, in fact — will take over the night sky on June 3, 2024. Here's what you need to know about how to see it.
The "Doomsday" Glacier is Melting Faster Than Anticipated: What to Know
The Thwaites Glacier, known as the "Doomsday" glacier for the catastrophe it will unleash if it melts, has been melting since the 1940s.
4 Trendy Thrift Flip Upcycling Tutorials — No Sewing Required
These thrift flipping ideas are easy, stylish, and require no sewing!
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Depression, Diabetes, and Early Death: What Foods to Avoid
Ultra-processed food consumption has been linked to various serious conditions, from depression to diabetes to even early death. Here's what foods to avoid.
Give Your Mother the Gift of Sustainability This Mother's Day — Our 12 Gift Picks
Mother's Day can be celebrated sustainably — here are twelve eco-friendly presents and experiences perfect for your holiday.
Unsweetened, Plant-Based Protein Powder — That Doesn't Taste Gross!
There are some highly-rated, plant-based, and tasty protein powders without artificial sweeteners out there — that don't taste like chalk.
It's Giving... Chef's Kiss: How Chef Priyanka Naik Makes Food From Waste (Exclusive)
Mango skin, watermelon rinds, carrot tops... none of this is waste to Chef Priyanka Naik! The vegan chef speaks exclusively with Green Matters about her low-waste cooking style!
8 Eco-Friendly Swimsuit Brands for All Shapes and Sizes
If you're dreaming of warmer weather and days at the beach, here are 8 of our favorite eco-friendly bathing suit brands to consider for summer 2022.
9 Trendy and Eco-Friendly Sneakers Perfect for Your Next Outing
Sneakers are getting more and more sustainable – check out these nine low-impact, vegan options.
Earth Day Trivia and Fun Facts for Students of All Ages
Earth Day trivia questions about the history of the holiday, the planet's natural resources, and more are handy tools for teaching.