
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
Humans Could Completely Destroy the Amazon Rainforest by 2064
The Amazon rainforest could dry up past the point of no return by 2064, and essentially collapse, according to a new study.Due to Climate Change, Only 5 Percent of U.S. Rivers Are Still Blue
Climate change has affected rivers so much that a whopping one-third of long rivers across the U.S. have changed color over the past few decades.Eco-Friendly Gifts to Keep Things Zero Waste This Holiday Season
These affordable environmentally-friendly gifts are perfect for the 2020 holiday season.A Democratic Senate Would Be Groundbreaking for the Climate
What exactly would a Democratic Senate mean for the climate? Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff's victories would be huge for the environment.An Indian Designer Is Upcycling Leftover PPE Fabric Into Hospital Mattresses
Indian designer Lakshmi Menon collected leftover fabric scraps from those making masks, gowns, and other PPE, and used the fabric to make much-needed mattresses for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.COVID-19 Could Cause the Greatest Emissions Dive the World Has Seen Since World War II
COVID-19 lockdowns are curtailing emissions, and experts predict emission drops could reach World War II levels.Why Can't You Throw Away Batteries? One Reason: Fires
Batteries should never be thrown away in the garbage — here are a few reasons why, plus a guide to recycling them properly.You Can Reuse These Previous Years’ Calendars for 2021
Many previous years' calendars can be reused for 2021.What is the Low-Impact Movement? How It Compares to the Zero-Waste Lifestyle
What exactly is the low-impact movement, and how does it compare to the zero-waste lifestyle?Your Amazon Returns May Wind Up in the Trash, According to GPS Trackers
What happens to Amazon returns? A recent investigation monitored the trajectory of a series of Amazon returns with stealthily-placed GPS trackers.Why Does the Moon Have a Ring Around It? This Optical Phenomenon Isn't As Rare As You Think
Why does the moon have a ring around it? December 2020's full moon also experienced a moon ring, aka a winter halo or 22-degree halo.Why Was There a Ring Around the Moon? November's Moon Ring, Beaver Moon, and More, Explained
A moon ring, aka a 22-degree halo or winter halo, baffled people this weekend, coinciding with the Full Beaver Moon.In 2020's Final Twist, Trump Gives $35B to Climate in Second COVID-19 Relief Bill
Trump actually signed the second COVID-19 relief bill. Of the $2.3 trillion package, $35 billion is going toward climate investments.Study Finds Microplastics in Human Placentas for the First Time
Microplastics were found in the placentas of unborn babies in a new study.Fox News Interviews Meat Company CEO... But He Was Actually an Activist in Disguise
An animal rights activist from Direct Action Everywhere fooled Fox reported Maria Bartiromo when he posed as the CEO of Smithfield Foods, Dennis Organ.Why Veganuary Is the Perfect New Year’s Resolution for Reducing Your Impact in 2020
Veganuary director Wendy Matthews shares her best tips for eating vegan for 31 days with Green Matters.How Long Does the Great Conjunction Last? Jupiter and Saturn Aren't Finished Yet
How long does the great conjunction last? Jupiter and Saturn passed each other by on Dec. 21, 2020, but are they still visible from Earth?Yes, You Can Rescue a Hypoallergenic Dog — 6 Tips for Adopting, Not Shopping
Hypoallergenic dogs such as the Cavapoo, Goldendoodle, and Morkie are highly coveted — but you don't have to go to a breeder. Adopt, don't shop, even when it comes to hypoallergenic dogs.How to See the First “Christmas Star” in 800 Years As Jupiter and Saturn Align
Jupiter and Saturn are about to pass each other by this closely for the first time in 800 years, resulting in a "Christmas Star."Who Is Jennifer Granholm? The Former Gov. Tapped As Biden’s Secretary of Energy
Biden's latest Cabinet pick is Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as the Secretary of Energy.Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Moments of 2020
From celebrity red carpet appearances to brands making major changes, read on for 10 of our favorite eco-friendly fashion moments from the past year.Katherine Schwarzenegger Was Drinking Oatmilk Before It Was Cool — Exclusive
Katherine Schwarzenegger has been keeping very busy during quarantine, from having a baby to encouraging people to vote.Climate Groups Applaud Biden's Nomination of Gina McCarthy to Key Climate Position
Gina McCarthy and Ali Zaidi will reportedly advise Joe Biden on climate issues.This Solar-Powered Electric Car Charges While You Drive — On Three Wheels
How does Aptera Motors’ solar electric vehicle work? Read on to learn all about this groundbreaking three-wheeled, solar-powered car.Period Underwear Is An Easy Zero-Waste Swap — Here Are 5 Options
Period underwear is a great way to reduce the impact of your menstrual cycle. Here are five sustainable and affordable options.Is Colin Kaepernick Vegan? The NFL Star Just Dropped a Ben & Jerry’s Flavor
Colin Kaepernick and Ben & Jerry's just released a vegan ice cream flavor — but is Colin Kaepernick vegan?Leonardo DiCaprio Urges Public to Oppose Gibbstown Fossil Fuel Project — How to Help
What exactly is the Gibbstown fossil fuel project? And has the project been approved to begin construction?Why Did SpaceX's Starship Explode? Elon Musk Called It the "Gateway to Mars"
No people were harmed in the launch of the SpaceX Starship… but the rocket is another story.Who Is Tom Vilsack? Biden Reportedly Nominates “Mr. Monsanto” As Agriculture Secretary
Biden reportedly plans to appoint Tom Vilsack, aka “Mr. Monsanto,” as the Secretary of Agriculture.How to Shop for Sustainable Electronics This Holiday Season
There are plenty of ways to shop for electronics sustainably and affordably without compromising quality or ethics.Indian Farmers Lead 250 Million in Protests Against New Agricultural Laws
Farmers in India are currently protesting against unfair new agriculture laws.The Ultimate Guide to an Eco-Friendly Hanukkah: Recipes, Candles, and More for a Lit Holiday
Looking for tips for an eco-friendly or zero-waste Hanukkah this December? We’ve put together the ultimate guide.Denmark Ending Fossil Fuel Extraction in the North Sea, Setting the Tone for Neighboring Countries
Denmark just announced plans to end fossil fuel exploration and extraction in the North Sea.CATS Act Introduced in Congress to End Cruel Kitten Lab Tests
A bipartisan bill called the CATS Act was introduced in Congress to end taxpayer-funded tests on kittens and cats.Dying Whitebark Pine Trees Denied Critical Habitat Protection Due to Trump Rule
Whitebark pine trees were given protections under the Endangered Species Act — but due to a Trump administration rule, they were denied critical habitat protections.Singapore Approves Lab-Grown Chicken Nuggets, A World's First
Lab-grown chicken nuggets are finally set to hit the market, as Singapore has just become the first country to approve of them.Bushfires Have Burned Half of Australia’s Fraser Island in the Past Six Weeks
Bushfires have been burning through Australia’s Fraser Island since mid-October, having tragically burned about 50 percent of the island.What the U.K.'s $2.1 Billion Farm Subsidy Redistribution Means for the Planet
The U.K. government is redistributing £1.6 billion ($2.1 billion USD) of its farm subsidies to reward farmers practicing sustainable agriculture.Opinion: To Prevent Future Pandemics, We Need to End Animal Agriculture Subsidies
Why hasn’t the pandemic convinced governments to cut back on subsidies for animal agriculture?Children’s Books About Environmentalism, Animals, and More — For All Ages
A children’s book about the environment would make a perfect gift for a kid of any age.100+ Fashion Brands Have Signed the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
What exactly is the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action?Sustainable Companies Giving Back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
For Black Friday, instead of looking for the cheapest deals, why not support small, sustainable companies who are donating profits to charity?John Kerry Appointed as Biden's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
John Kerry has been named Biden's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Where does John Kerry stand on climate change?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!Beachgoers Left Major Litter on Hamptons Beaches Throughout MDW Reopening
Various Hamptons beaches were strewn with litter during Memorial Day weekend, prompting local authorities to close beaches once again.A Beached Whale in the Philippines Died Due to Ingesting 88 Pounds of Plastic
Researchers performed a necropsy on a beached whale and discovered 88 pounds of plastic in his body.Scientist YouTuber Goes 24 Hours Without Touching Plastic — Well, He Tries To
A YouTuber vlogged himself attempting not to touch any plastic for 24 hours, and his results shed an important light on single-use plastic.Oil Industry Reduces Global Production by 9.7 Million Barrels Per Day
The world's largest oil producers have agreed to cut global oil production by 9.7 million barrels per day for the next two months.Common Coffee Species Are at Risk of Extinction – Here's What We Need to Do
A variety of coffee species are at risk of extinction, according to a new study.Do Vegans Eat Honey?
Vegans usually don't eat honey — here's everything you need to know about honey, and its impact on animals and the environment.