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
Texas Snowstorms Drove Refineries to Emit Massive Amounts of Air Pollutants
Texas snowstorms caused refineries to perform gas flaring and release staggering amounts of air pollution across the state.
How to Help Texas — Where to Donate to Benefit the Homeless, Incarcerated, and More
How can we help Texas? This week, 2.8 million Texans faced power outages for several days, amidst freezing cold temperatures following Storm Uri.
7 Innovative Zero-Waste Toothbrushes That Go Beyond the Bamboo Brush
These innovative zero-waste toothbrushes are more than just bamboo — we've rounded up brushes with reusable handles, replaceable brush heads, electric options, and more.
Why Is Texas Without Power? How Climate Action Could Have Prevented This
Why is Texas without power in February 2021, and how is this all connected to the climate crisis?
Did the “Indonesian Death Zoo” Shut Down? Cher Calls Out Neglect at Surabaya Zoo
A new petition to shut down the Surabaya Zoo, aka the "Indonesian Death Zoo," aimed at the country’s president, is gaining traction.
5 of Our Favorite Sustainable Beauty Innovations From 2021
Check out five of our favorite new, innovative, and sustainable beauty products from 2021 (and late 2020).
Recycling Centers You Can Tour, In-Person or Virtually
Here are a few awesome recycling centers around the U.S. that you can visit — many of which also offer virtual tours.
Fossil Fuel Air Pollution Kills 10.2 Million People Every Year, New Research Finds
Fossil fuel-caused air pollution prematurely kills around 10.2 million people every year, which is higher than previously thought.
How This Affordable Hair Care Brand Ditched Plastic for Aluminum (Exclusive)
Eva NYC's hair care product range has completely transitioned from plastic to aluminum packaging, and still manages to be an affordable, zero-waste option.
Wow, No Cow! Oatly’s Super Bowl Commercial Is Dividing Oatmilk Fans
Oatly CEO Toni Petersson starred in a Super Bowl commercial about oatmilk — which immediately divided the internet during the football game.
Australian Bushfires: Where to Donate to Help Victims of the 2021 Tragedy
Australia is currently being ravaged by bushfires, once again. Donate to these organizations that are working to help victims and put out the fires.
Baby Food Found to Contain Toxic Heavy Metals Linked to Developmental Damage
Toxic heavy metals were found in baby food by seven popular brands, including supposedly organic, natural companies.
7 Sustainable Fashion Brands That Upcycle Deadstock and Fabric Scraps
These fashion brands use fabric scraps, deadstock fabric, upcycled clothing, and other materials that would have otherwise gone to landfills.
Is Gleaning for Fish More Sustainable Than Traditional Fishing?
What exactly is gleaning for fish? And is gleaning more sustainable than traditional fishing?
Rihanna and Greta Thunberg Show Support for Massive India Agricultural Protests
Farmers are protesting the Indian agricultural bills enacted last year, which many farmers argue puts them at an unfair disadvantage in terms of business, and therefore their livelihoods.
The Best Sustainable Face Masks by Slow Fashion Brands
A sustainable cloth face masks can be worn over and over again — here are 10 slow fashion brands making eco-friendly cloth face masks.
You Can Now Shop Vintage Tees at Nordstrom, Thanks to Goodfair Partnership
Goodfair and Nordstrom have partnered to bring secondhand clothing to a mainstream audience.
Scientific Study Proves That the "Greta Thunberg Effect" Is Real
A new study found that the “Greta Thunberg effect” has caused more people in the U.S. to get involved in climate action.
IKEA Just Bought — and Will Protect — an 11,000-Acre Georgia Forest
IKEA purchased a huge forest in Georgia, which will be open to the public and used for sustainably harvesting timber.
Global Ice Loss Is Catching Up to Worst-Case Scenario Predictions
The global ice loss rate — aka melting ice sheets — is higher than ever before.
Week One in Office: What the Biden Administration Has Done for the Environment So Far
From day one in office, the Biden Administration has overturned several Trump-era environmental policies for the good of the climate and planet Earth.
9 Songs About Climate Change That Are Absolute Fire
There are numerous songs about climate change out there, by a number of popular artists, from Pitbull to Joni Mitchell.
Greta Thunberg Lends Her Voice to The 1975's New Song: "Everything Needs to Change"
Greta Thunberg and The 1975 teamed up on a new song called "The 1975," where the activist encourages listeners to rebel.
Biden to Rejoin Paris Agreement on Inauguration Day, Among 17 Executive Actions
Joe Biden will rejoin the Paris Agreement and cancel the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day as president.
Is the U.S. Really Leaving the Paris Climate Agreement on Nov. 4?
Is the U.S. really leaving the Paris Agreement on Nov. 4, 2020?
Biden to Reportedly Cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline
President-elect Joe Biden plans to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline immediately upon assuming the role of president, multiple sources report.
Biden’s Cabinet Picks So Far Mark a New Chapter for U.S. Climate Action
Biden's Cabinet so far sets records and shows how he will be prioritizing climate issues during his administration.
NASA Deems 2020 the Hottest Year in Recorded History
NASA found 2020 to be the hottest year on record, just barely edging out the previous record holder.
Next Global Climate Strike Announced for March 2021: Everything We Know
2021’s first Global Climate Strike will take place on March 19, with Greta Thunberg's support.
This Is Not a Drill: Taco Bell Is Bringing Back Potatoes and Adding Beyond Meat
Taco Bell is officially bringing potatoes back to all U.S. restaurants — and Beyond Meat will join the menu, too.
Paris Is Turning Champs-Élysées Into a Green Space
Paris's Champs-Élysées will go down from eight traffic lanes to four, and green spaces will be built along the avenue as well as around the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde.
Eco-Friendly, Vegan Winter Coats and Accessories
These vegan, eco-friendly winter coats (including options for kids and dogs), hats, scarves, gloves, and boots will keep you warm all winter long.,
Dalai Lama Sits Down With Greta Thunberg: “There Is Real Hope From Our Younger Generation”
The 14th Dalai Lama praised Greta Thunberg for renewing humanity’s hope surrounding climate action.
The Best Reusable Ziploc Bags — Freeze and Store Food With Zero Waste
There are endless reusable Ziploc bag alternatives on the market these days that are equally durable and more sustainable than single-use baggies.
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.