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
How Community Fridges Work to Improve Food Access and Build Community
Community fridges provide free food (and sometimes other goods) to people in need from the neighborhood, directly help fight food insecurity at the grassroots level, and reduce food waste.
Our Favorite Zero-Waste, Cruelty-Free Hand Soaps
We’ve rounded up eight companies — plus one DIY option — making low-impact, cruelty-free hand soaps, from hand soap tablets to bar soaps to liquid refills in plastic-free bottles.
Sustainable Dupes for the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Can't find the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag anywhere? Check out these eco-friendly fanny packs, which are all solid dupes for the lulu version.
The Best Non-Dairy Milks for Toddlers and Kids
There are many non-dairy milks that experts recommend for kids.
To Reduce Food Waste, This Grocery Chain Is Ditching "Best By" Dates on Fruits and Veggies
U.K. supermarket chain Morrisons decided to remove expiration dates from hundreds of different kinds of produce.
Why We Must Hold Factory Farming Accountable for Deforestation and Pollution, According to New Research
The factory farming industry has an immense impact on the environment. And now, a new report shows why this ecologically-destructive industry’s environmental footprint has failed to improve.
Los Angeles Passes Ordinance Banning Polystyrene Containers
Los Angeles just passed a bill banning polystyrene, often referred to as the brand name Styrofoam.
Royals Will and Kate Announce 2022 Earthshot Prize Winners at Star-Studded Event (Updates)
Price William and Princess Kate visited Boston to announce the 2022 Earthshot Prize winners.
Jonathan the Tortoise Celebrates His 190th Birthday With a Salad Cake and Three-Day Party
Jonathan the tortoise is 190 years old, and the people of St. Helena pulled out all the stops for his 190th birthday.
"Third Act" Rallies People 60 and Up to Take Climate Action
Bill McKibben founded Third Act to encourage people 60 and up to fight for climate and racial justice.
Does Overpopulation Hurt the Planet? Or Should We Solely Blame Governments and Industries?
How does overpopulation affect the environment? Here's a look into its potential ramifications — as well as an argument to redirect the blame.
The Laundress Recalls 8 Million Products Due to Bacteria: How to Get Your Refund
Here’s everything you need to know about The Laundress recall, the possible health risks, and how to get a refund.
NJ Bear Hunt Will Begin Today, As Judge Dismisses Animal Protection Groups' Lawsuit
The New Jersey bear hunt will still happen, despite a group of animal protection groups who tried to block it.
The UN's COP15 on Biodiversity Kicks Off This Week — and After COP27's Greenwashing, Activists Are Skeptical
The UN’s biodiversity conference, COP15, kicks off this week, and will bring various governments together to discuss efforts to preserve biodiversity around the world.
Awful Air Quality Prompts Delhi to Enact "Pollution Ban" on Construction, Diesel Cars, and More
Delhi's air pollution news has been rough lately, with air quality levels in the area leading to a “pollution ban” in Delhi.
Jordan Peele Joins Climate Change-Themed Horror Short, 'Moshari,' as EP
Jordan Peele recently signed on to executive produce the new short horror movie 'Moshari,' which is sure to thrill horror fans and environmentalists alike.
Gas Stoves Pose Health and Environmental Risks — How to Reduce Their Impact
There are a few ways to reduce a gas stove’s health risks, make them more efficient and eco-friendly, and emit less pollutants.
How Is Denim Made — and Made Sustainably? A Look Into the Process
How is denim made? And what manufacturing processes can make denim sustainable?
The Leather Industry’s Impact on the Planet — and Its Rampant Greenwashing — Analyzed in New Report
Just how bad is leather for the environment? A new report analyzes its impacts, as well as greenwashing in the fashion industry.
The Gentle Barn to Open Animal Sanctuary in New York, to Focus on Rescued Carriage Horses
The Gentle Barn is coming to New York’s Westchester County, not far from New York City.
Celebrate the Holidays With Our Guide to Vegan Eggnog
Here’s a look into the best vegan eggnogs on the market, as well as a few non-dairy, plant-based eggnog recipes.
GivingTuesday: Animal Shelters, Sanctuaries, and Climate Orgs Matching Donations Today
Many charities are matching funds for Giving Tuesday.
Zero Waste Daniel on His New Upcycled Fashion Collab With Fran Drescher (Exclusive)
Zero Waste Daniel recently designed an upcycled, sustainable fashion line for Fran Drescher, which you can shop on thredUP.
10 Fun Facts About Turkeys, Who Are So Much More Than Meat
In honor of Thanksgiving, we’re sharing some fun facts about turkeys.
Morgan Freeman Gives God Vibes in New Netflix Docuseries 'Our Universe'
When is Netflix’s Our Universe’s release date, and what else can you expect from the exciting documentary series, which is narrated by Morgan Freeman?
Now That COP27 Is Over, Here Are the Climate Conference's Highlights — and Lowlights
Here’s a look into the COP27 highlights — and lowlights.
Over Elon Musk? These Top Tesla Competitors Are Just As Cool
Tesla’s top competitors could be receiving an influx of business following the downfall of Twitter thanks to Elon Musk.
These Brands Are Boycotting Black Friday This Year — How to Get Involved
A few companies big and small are celebrating the “holiday” by purposefully not celebrating it, and boycotting Black Friday.
The FDA Just Approved Lab-Grown Chicken for the Very First Time
The FDA approved lab-grown meat for the first time, in an exciting move that is sure to excite foodies and save many animal lives.
Home Births Are on the Rise in the U.S. — Watch These Incredible Videos
In the U.S. in 2021, home births reached their highest rate in three decades. Here are some incredible home birth videos, plus a look at the data.
Animal Activists Free 10,000 Minks From Fur Farm in Ohio — and Assert They Can Survive in the Wild
Animal activists, allegedly from Animal Liberation Front, just freed 10,000 minks from an Ohio fur farm.
Sponge Cities May Be the Way of the Future in Flood-Prone Areas, From China to Florida
How do sponge cities work? Here’s what you need to know about this nature-based solution, and how it can prevent floods and provide other benefits.
The Population Has Officially Hit 8 Billion. Here's How This Could Impact Climate Change
When did the population reach 8 billion?
Fact Check: Is Iran Really Sentencing 15,000 Protesters to Death?
This week, many celebrities and media organizations shared that Iran was sentencing 15,000 protesters to death. Is it true?
These Stuffed Animal Restoration TikToks Are So Heartwarming and Satisfying
A stuffed animal repair can sometimes be necessary to give your plush bestie a new lease of life.
Al Gore Presents Climate TRACE's AI-Based Emissions Data on 70,000 Polluters at COP27
Climate TRACE, which Al Gore is a founding member of, has published new data identifying more than 70,000 polluting sites.
Who Founded Just Stop Oil, the Civil Resistance Climate Group Throwing Soup at Art?
Who owns Just Stop Oil, and what exactly is the climate activist group’s mission?
Climate Activists Barricade Airports in 13 Countries, Demanding Governments Ban Private Jets
Protests in over a dozen countries this week focused on asking world leaders to ban private jets.
Rainn Wilson Changes His Name to Spread Awareness for the Climate Crisis — and Wants You to Join Him
Rainn Wilson's new name is a bit of a mouthful: “Rainnfall Heat Wave Extreme Winter Wilson” — among other variations.
5 Climate Change Podcasts That Will Educate, Energize, and Inspire You
We’ve rounded up some of the best podcasts on climate change to help inspire you to take climate action.
Herschel Walker's Climate Policies: Are the Candidate's Controversial Remarks on Trees for Real?
What are Herschel Walker’s climate change policies like? And is he right about the world already having enough trees?
These Rug Cleaning Videos Provide a Satisfying and Sustainable ASMR Experience
Rug cleaning ASMR videos have taken off on TikTok and all across the internet, and for some reason, they are endlessly satisfying.
COP27 Is Serving Lab-Grown Meat — Though the Rest of the Menu Is Causing Controversy
Lab-grown meat is being served at COP27 for the first time, but the conference has been accused of greenwashing for serving animal products, too.
Al Gore Kicks Off COP27 — and So the Greenwashing From World Leaders Begins
Al Gore's COP27 opening remarks called out heads of state for their inaction on climate change.
EWG Detects "Forever Chemicals" in Pet Food Bags
A new report has detected PFAS in pet food bags, leaving pet parents concerned about how this may affect their dogs and cats.
10 Facts About Greta Thunberg, the Swedish Climate Activist Changing the World
Here’s a look at some Greta Thunberg facts, as the Swedish climate activist nears her 20th birthday.
How to Vote on the Environmental Bond Act Ballot Proposal in New York
The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs, Environmental Bond Act will be a ballot proposal in New York this November.
'Potter' Fans Place Socks at Dobby's Gravesite — but They Put Wildlife at Risk
Dobby’s gravesite in Wales has gotten a bit out of hand, with Potterheads leaving socks at the grave — which officials are calling an environmental hazard.
As Climate Mitigation Efforts Stumble, We Need Climate Adaptation More Than Ever
What does adaptation to climate change involve, exactly? A new UN report asserts that we are behind on climate change adaptation measures.
The Qatar World Cup Controversies, From the Environmental Impact to Anti-LGBTQ Laws (Exclusive)
The Qatar World Cup’s environmental impact and ethical issues presented by the country’s laws regarding homosexuality have made many reluctant to support the tournament.