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
Earth Day 2023: Why President Kathleen Rogers Believes the Holiday “Is a Chance to Become an Environmentalist” (Exclusive)
In honor of Earth Day 2023, we spoke with Kathleen Rogers, a former environmental lawyer and the current President of EarthDay.org.
What Have We Done to Earth Day? (Opinion)
Greenwashing on Earth Day has diluted the meaning of the holiday.
What Is Climate Action? Here's How You Can Get Involved — and What Leaders Must Do
What is climate action, exactly? Here's a look into the different ways you can take action for the planet, and how world leaders must take action.
Sanctuary Owner Ashley DiFelice Faces 17 Animal Cruelty Charges for Severe Neglect (Exclusive)
Ashley DiFelice left the animals of Twist of Fate Farm and Sanctuary to starve to death. We spoke with the woman who discovered this neglect.
These Are the Most Eco-Forward Cities in the U.S., According to New Research
What are the most sustainable cities in the U.S.? A new report has named these 15 cities as the most "eco-forward."
How to Recycle Old Electronics, No Matter the Condition
Electronic recycling is so important — luckily, there are plenty of options for giving your old technology new life.
Jane Goodall Headlines Sold-Out Brooklyn Museum Event for Her 89th Birthday
Jane Goodall spoke so many inspirational quotes during her Brooklyn Museum event, which was held in honor of both her 89th birthday and Earth Month.
Plant-Based Passover Recipes + Tips for a Vegan Seder Plate
Passover is a great time to make vegan recipes.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Passover Seder Eco-Friendly
Here are a few tips for keeping your Passover seder as eco-friendly as possible.
New Research: A Healthy Plant-Based Diet Lowers Risk of Cancer, Premature Death, and More (Exclusive)
A healthy plant-based diet can help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, and early mortality, according to new research.
New Yorker Rescues Dog Dumped in NYC Subway Station, Thanks to an Instagram Post (Exclusive)
After seeing an Instagram post about an abandoned dog, New Yorker Heather Hamm rescued the sweet puppy, and has taken her home.
How Watching "Body Doubling" Livestreams on TikTok Is Helping Remote Workers Focus
Body doubling is a helpful focus technique for many people with ADHD or trouble staying on task.
Ashley Tisdale on Her Plant-Based Journey, Her Go-To Vegan Meal, and More (Exclusive)
Ashley Tisdale is using her platform to promote plant-based eating.
Another Train Derails and Spills Hazardous Materials: This Time, in Rural North Dakota
A train has derailed in Wyndmere, North Dakota, spilling dangerous materials in the rural area.
TikTok Creators Give a Look Into "Nurdles," Plastic Pollutants Straight From the Oil Industry
Known as nurdles, these plastic pellets are a frustrating form of plastic pollution that has been found in pretty much every facet of nature.
The Nutr Machine's Founder, Alicia Long, Wants to "Revolutionize the Milk Industry" (Exclusive)
The Nutr Machine, which was on 'Shark Tank' in early 2023, is all about reducing waste and providing customers with healthy non-dairy milk.
UN Publishes Final, Harrowing Chapter of IPCC Climate Report: "Climate Justice Is Crucial"
The UN and IPCC published the final chapter of its major climate report, known as the Synthesis Report, in March 2023.
A Bird Flu Vaccine for Humans Is Now in the Works — Just in Case
A bird flu vaccine for humans is now at the ready, just in case the avian flu begins to worsen.
Climate Activists Share How They Combat Compassion Fatigue (Exclusive)
Compassion fatigue and burnout are common in the world of climate activism — and other fields, such as nursing and psychotherapy. Here are a few ways to combat these feelings.
Pinky Cole Celebrates the Opening of Slutty Vegan Harlem: "I'm Thinking World Domination" (Exclusive)
Slutty Vegan has sprung in Harlem. Pinky Cole dished to Green Matters about the popular vegan burger joint’s second location in New York City.
2023’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Lists Are Here, With Unwelcome News for Blueberries (Exclusive)
The EWG has published the 2023 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen, officially known as the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
Study Detects Forever Chemicals in Toilet Paper — Here Are a Few PFAS-Free TP Brands
A recent report detected PFAS in toilet paper — and though the lead author says we need not worry, we've rounded up a few PFAS-free toilet paper brands.
Climate Groups Blast Biden for Approving Willow Project: It "Derails His Own Climate Goals"
Has the Biden has approved the Willow Project? Despite the massive environmental impact it will have, yes, the oil drilling project will go forward.
Environmentalists Ed Begley Jr. and Daughter Hayden Begley Take Public Transit to Oscars
Ed Begley Jr. and his daughter, Hayden Begley, have turned Los Angeles' infamous, inconvenient public transit system into a sweet Oscars tradition.
BBC Denies Pulling Episode of David Attenborough's New 'Wild Isles' Docuseries
David Attenborough's latest nature documentary series, titled 'Wild Isles,' is causing controversy.
Sustainable Sheet Masks: Try These Compostable and Reusable Options
Sheet masks can be super relaxing, moisturizing, and sadly, wasteful. But they don't have to be, thanks to compostable and reusable options.
Activists Are Protesting the Uinta Basin Railway, Which Would Transport Oil Across the U.S.
Environmentalists are protesting the proposed Uinta Basin Railway, which would transport oil from Utah to various other places across North America.
Vegan Reese's and Hershey Bars Are Finally in the U.S. — Seriously
The day has finally come... U.S. chocolate lovers can buy a vegan Reese's and vegan Hershey Bars,
#StopWillow Campaign: A Guide to Stopping the Willow Oil Drilling Project
Run by ConocoPhillips and known as the Willow Project, this enterprise has been the subject of major backlash, leading to the eruption of a campaign known as #StopWillow.
Want to Start an Animal Sanctuary? Here's Advice from Two Founders (Exclusive)
We spoke to two the founders of The Gentle Barn and Catskill Animal Sanctuary for advice on how to start an animal sanctuary.
Various Hospitals and Countries Are Banning This Environmentally-Harmful General Anesthetic
Desflurane, a general anesthetic, has a significant environmental footprint, and is being banned in Scotland and England.
Mysterious White Dust Falling From the Sky in West Virginia Has Been Identified
When a mysterious white dust began falling from the sky in Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, locals were left puzzled and concerned.
Can Supplementing Vitamin D Help Prevent Dementia? What the Latest Research Says
There are many benefits to taking a vitamin D supplement — and according to a new study, reducing your chance of developing dementia is one of them.
Cancer Alley Might Be Our Country's Most Toxic Symbol of Environmental Racism
Here's everything you need to know about Cancer Alley in Louisiana, and the federal lawsuit trying to take down one of its worst polluters.
Daiya Is Reformulating Its Vegan Cheese Again — This Time, With New Fermentation Technology
Daiya just announced a multi-million-dollar investment in natural fermentation technology, which will make its plant-based cheese even better.
Could Reflecting the Sun Away From Earth Reduce Global Warming? What to Know About Solar Radiation Management
The UN had experts conduct more research on a somewhat controversial method of reducing global heating, called solar radiation management, solar radiation modification or solar geoengineering.
Apple's Clean Energy Charging Mode Garners Criticism From Planet-Haters
Apple's Clean Energy Charging mode pulls energy from local clean energy grids — but not everyone is happy with how it affects charging times.
Hilary Duff on Her Family's Sustainable Swaps, Who "The Father" Might Be, and More (Exclusive)
Hilary Duff recently opened up to Green Matters about 'How I Met Your Father,' her family, sustainable living, and more.
Sleep Awareness Week 2023: How to Consistently Get a Good Night's Rest
Sleep Awareness Week and National Sleep Awareness Month both aim to help people improve their sleep.
University of Cambridge Could Go Plant-Based for the Planet, After Student Vote
The University of Cambridge may soon become a vegan college campus.
Blakk Smoke Is Taking Down Big Tobacco With Its Unique, All-Natural Hookah Pens (Exclusive)
Blakk Tatted's clean smoking company, Blakk Smoke, makes hookah and vape pens that are completely free of nicotine and tobacco.
Laguna Beach Approves Balloon Ban to Protect Wildlife Citywide
The California city of Laguna Beach is banning balloons for good.
Impossible Foods Introduces Vegan Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Patties and More
Impossible Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Patties, and Impossible Chicken Tenders are hitting the market.
Starbucks Recalls Over 300,000 Bottled Vanilla Frappuccinos Due to Glass Contamination
If you tend to start your day with a Starbucks vanilla Frappuccino, you may need to temporarily rethink your morning brew, as the drink is being recalled.
5 Things to Give Up for Lent That Will Also Benefit You and the Planet
Wondering what to give up for Lent 2023? Each of these ideas just might enrich your life, help you feel healthier, and reduce your environmental impact.
The Canadian Super Pig, an Invasive Species, Is Poised to Infiltrate the U.S.
Canadian super pigs are known for destroying crops, ecosystems, and more, and they could become a problem in the U.S. soon.
The Jane Fonda Climate PAC Is Working to Keep Fossil Fuel-Funded Candidates Out of Office
Jane Fonda Climate PAC aims to defeat political candidates who are funded by the fossil fuel industry.
These Environmental Law Organizations Provide Free Council in the Name of Climate Justice
With climate chaos and environmental damage growing worse and worse, there are fortunately many environmental law organizations out there.
These 8 Environmental Film Festivals Showcase Movies on Climate Change and More
Here are some of the best environmental film festivals around the world, that are all definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
Climate Denier David Malpass Resigns From World Bank: Everything You Need to Know
David Malpass has stepped down as President of the World Bank.