Sophie Hirsh
Executive EditorLocation: New YorkEducation: Muhlenberg CollegeSophie is a New York-based journalist, animal lover, and Taylor Swift fan.
Since graduating from Muhlenberg College, she has reported on a wide range of topics at media outlets including Mashable, Romper, Reductress, and across 10 Condé Nast brands. She has been part of the Green Matters team since 2019, where she currently serves as Executive Editor. At Green Matters, Sophie covers all things sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice; she also manages the Green Matters Instagram, newsletter, and more.
Sophie is passionate about treating the planet well, and she loves getting to write about her favorite topics every day for the Green Matters audience. After work, you can find her thrifting, baking, or trying a new vegan restaurant.
More From Sophie Hirsh
Residents of This City Can Now Recycle Paper Coffee Cups
This city just became home to the fifth facility in the U.S. that allows residents to recycle paper coffee cups curbside.
When Miranda Cosgrove Isn't Starring on 'iCarly,' She's Fostering Kittens (Exclusive)
Miranda Cosgrove is a passionate environmentalist and animal advocate, and she hopes to inspire youth to take climate action.
Amazon Deforestation Connected to Popular Fashion Brands’ Leather Use
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is primarily due to the cattle ranching industry — and many fashion brands source leather from the Amazon.
How Does Fairlife Treat Cows? There's Still Good Reason to Boycott the Brand After Its Scandal
Nearly three years after the Fairlife milk scandal, consumers are wondering how Fairlife treats their cows, and if Fairlife still abuses cows in 2021.
Climate Change, Crisis, or Emergency? Turns Out, It Doesn’t Really Matter
Climate change, climate crisis, or climate emergency? According to a new study, word choices don’t really do much to affect public opinion.
Why Community Is Key in Climate Justice Activism, According to Wawa Gatheru (Exclusive)
No matter how many odds are stacked against the environment, for climate activist and certified genius Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, inaction will never be an option.
Anti-Black Friday: These Sustainable Brands Are Shutting Down for the Day
Various sustainable brands are hosting anti-Black Friday initiatives this holiday season, including shutting down for the day, or donating profits made on Black Friday instead of offering discounts.
Scientists Discover Truly Biodegradable Glitter — and It Can Be Mass Produced
A recent scientific discovery suggests that truly biodegradable glitter may be on its way to market, which could revolutionize the makeup industry.
Emma Roberts Says Having a Baby Inspired Her to Live More Sustainably (Exclusive)
Emma Roberts recently became a mother to a baby boy — and it inspired her to adopt more sustainable living habits, she tells us as part of our "Green Routine" series.
Jermaine Dupri Rolls Out JD’s Vegan Ice Cream
Jermaine Dupri's new vegan ice cream brand, JD's Vegan, is launching with six delicious flavors.
U.S. Sells Leases to Drill in Gulf of Mexico to ExxonMobil, BP, Et Al.
The Gulf of Mexico lease sale will allow companies to drill for oil and gas within 80 million acres in the Gulf.
Our Favorite Sustainable Vitamins and Supplements
We’ve rounded up some sustainable vitamin companies, all of which are making efforts to reduce their environmental impacts.
How This 19-Year-Old Activist Is Fighting for Intersectional Environmental Justice (Exclusive)
Diego Arreola is fighting for environmental justice through his organization Green Speaking, and he shared his Green Routine with us.
Billie Eilish, Joaquin Phoenix, and More Ask Biden to Hand Pardoned Turkeys Over to Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary wants animal lovers to sign a petition asking President Biden to relinquish his pardoned turkeys so they can live out their lives in peace.
COP26 Is Complete — Here’s What We Learned at the Climate Summit
Here’s a look back at some of the COP26 highlights — and lowlights — from the past two weeks.
After 64 Years, the River Thames Sheds Its “Biologically Dead” Classification
Signs of life in the River Thames have scientists rejoicing.
‘They're Trying To Kill Us’ Documentary Exposes Food Injustice in Communities of Color
'They're Trying To Kill Us' is a new documentary about food injustice, racism, and chronic disease in communities of color, and it features interviews with Ne-Yo, Billie Eilish, Chris Paul, and many more.
The Secret to Living Zero Waste: "Buy Nothing" Facebook Groups (Exclusive)
Buy Nothing groups can help reduce waste and foster community — the Upper East Side's Buy Nothing group admin tells us more.
Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes
Here's a look into some of our favorite eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan, and low-waste makeup brushes.
MrBeast’s #TeamSeas Aims to Clean 30 Million Pounds of Ocean Trash
MrBeast's latest project, #TeamSeas, aims to raise money to clean up plastic pollution from the world’s seas.
BIPOC Activists Were Reportedly Shut Out From Watching Obama Speak at COP26
Obama’s COP26 speech focused on what action has been taken since the signing of the Paris Agreement six years ago, as well as on what action needs to be taken.
Bryan Cranston, Rashida Jones, and Other Celebs Narrate 'Animal' Docuseries on Netflix
'Animal' on Netflix chronicles eight wild animals and their families, and is narrated by some awesome celebrities.
Youth Climate Activists' COP26 Speeches Are the Best Part of the Summit
Many youth climate activists are speaking at COP26 to put the people in power on the spot.
Watch: David Attenborough Calls Out Polluters in COP26 Speech
David Attenborough’s COP26 speech calls for climate action from those in power, and calls for hope from concerned folks.
Why the Internet Canceled Yoga Girl, a Swedish Influencer Living in Aruba
Yoga Girl, an online empire run by Rachel Brathen, was canceled last year after her comments about travel to Aruba during the pandemic.
World Vegan Day: I’m Not That Special. If This Picky Eater Could Go Vegan, You Can Too
Going vegan doesn't require anything special — anyone can make the choice to align their actions with their values.
Who Is Attending COP26? Everyone From Greta Thunberg to Joe Biden Will Be in Glasgow
The COP26 attendees will supposedly join forces to get planet Earth on track to maintain the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Our Favorite Chocolate Bars That Are Zero-Waste, Fair Trade, and Vegan
With National Chocolate Day falling on Oct. 28, here are just a few of our favorite zero-waste chocolates on the market.
Brad the Boxer, aka Just Brad, Might Be TikTok’s Hottest and Happiest Vegan Chef (Exclusive)
Bradley Jimenez, aka Brad the Boxer and Just Brad, is a vegan chef taking over TikTok.
We Are “Way Off Track” to Achieve Paris Agreement’s Goals, Says UN Greenhouse Gas Report
The latest greenhouse gas news proves that humanity has not yet done nearly enough to end the climate crisis — just in time for COP26.
Wisconsin Wolf Hunt Controversy: A Judge Just Halted the 300-Wolf Hunt
The 2021 Wisconsin wolf hunt is sparking debates all across the state.
Can Cryptocurrency Ever Be Sustainable? This Mining Startup Thinks So (Exclusive)
Can cryptocurrency ever truly be sustainable? We spoke with Justin Podhola, CEO of cryptocurrency company Elite Mining, which has a goal of making mining more efficient and sustainable.
The Ocean Cleanup Is Now Cleaning Up Rivers With the "Interceptor"
The "Interceptor" is The Ocean Cleanup's latest innovation, with a goal of cleaning plastic out of rivers before it gets to the ocean.
Climate Crisis Prompts California to Proclaim a Drought Emergency Statewide
California just declared a drought emergency statewide.
Sustainable Vegan Rugs for a Cozy, Eco-Friendly Home
Finding sustainable rugs that are also non-toxic, vegan, ethically-made, and in your price range can be a bit overwhelming — so here are a few brands that make eco-friendly rugs.
Jane Goodall Releases ‘The Book of Hope’ About Fighting Climate Change With Optimism
Jane Goodall’s newest book, 'The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times' aims to inspire youth to be more hopeful about fighting the climate crisis.
Prince William Presents 1 Million-Pound Earthshot Prizes for Climate Change Innovators
To help fight climate change, Prince William just presented the first Earthshot Prize, an annual series of awards that he founded with Sir David Attenborough.
Is There a Food Shortage? How Supply Chain Issues Are Affecting Meat, Pumpkin, and Pet Food
Signs of a food shortage are leaving Americans concerned — but is there really a food shortage in the U.S.? Here’s what we know.
Dumpster Diver's TikTok Inspires Coach to Stop Destroying Unsold Bags
A TikTok about slashed Coach bags found in dumpsters went so viral, that it actually prompted Coach to pledge to quit the wasteful practice of destroying unsold merchandise.
Phthalates Correlated With 100,000 Annual Deaths in U.S. — How to Avoid This Chemical Group
Phthalates are linked to 100,000 premature deaths in the U.S. every year, according to a new study.
Sustainable Toilet Paper Companies, For a Wipe You Can Feel Good About
Supporting a sustainable toilet paper company that responsibly manages its forests is a great way to make your bathroom routine more zero waste.
Three Years Into Water Crisis, Benton Harbor, Mich. Residents Told to Stop Drinking Tap Water
The Benton Harbor water crisis just keeps getting worse, and this week, city officials warned residents of the city not to use tap water, due to lead contamination.
Wild Elk Free From Tire Around His Neck After Over Two Years
An elk had a tire around his neck for the past 2+ years — and two Colorado wildlife officers finally managed to tranquilize the elk and remove him.
Leonardo DiCaprio Just Invested in Two Lab-Grown Meat Companies
Cultured meat brands are creating slaughter-free meat in labs, and celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio are getting on board.
Celebrate World Egg Day the Vegan Way With These Plant-Based Eggs for Breakfast
This World Egg Day is a great time to compassionately take back the holiday, and enjoy some vegan eggs for breakfast.
24 Hours Later, Officials Are Still Cleaning Up Crude Oil Spill at Texas Refinery
The Marathon Petroleum oil spill that happened in Texas this week will take days to clean up.
Vegan Impossible Nuggets Are Launching at Three U.S. Burger Kings
Select U.S. Burger King restaurants are rolling out a trial of vegan Impossible Nuggets.
"Squirrel School" on TikTok Showcases Heartwarming Wildlife Rescue and Rehab (Exclusive)
Squirrel School on TikTok, which has more than 82,000 followers, shows viewers the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Nobel Peace Prize Frontrunners Include Greta Thunberg, WHO, and BLM
The 2021 Nobel Peace Prize could go to Greta Thunberg, or a number of other qualified nominated individuals and organizations.
Pipeline Bursts in Pacific Ocean, Leaking 126,000 Gallons of Oil Into California's Waters and Beaches
An oil spill in California has affected Huntington Beach and other nearby coastal cities.