Andrea Ridout

Senior Lifestyles Reporter

After three decades in the hardware industry and radio/TV, Andrea Ridout of Garland has become a nationally-known expert on products and processes for green home improvement. She has owned and sold three award-winning companies and has a wide breadth of knowledge from decorative hardware to gardening, eco-friendly topics to animal husbandry.

She is currently working on a new book about backyard chickens for Texas A&M Press. You can reach her at Andrea@AskAndrea.com.

By Andrea Ridout

Dec 23 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

We saved the best for last-minute gift green ideas

You may be grabbing these gifts just under the wire but we think they’re some of the best choices of the year. This is the fifth and final installment in a five-part series comprising our 2025 Green Gift Guide.

Dec 21 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

Here's 10 green gift ideas for the animals in your life

This is the fourth in a five-part series, making up our 2025 Green Gift Guide by Andrea Ridout.

Dec 20 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

Here's 8 green gift ideas for kids

Teach your children how to care for the planet by giving them gifts with an eco-friendly twist. This is the third in a five-part series, making up our 2025 Green Gift Guide by Andrea Ridout.

Dec 11 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

Texas-made gifts make sustainable stocking stuffers

Andrea Ridout has gathered some carefully crafted products thoughtfully made by Texans in Texas. This is the second in a five-part series comprising our 2025 Green Gift Guide.

Dec 05 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

Shared experiences offer alternatives to material gifts

Don’t know what to buy for a loved one who has everything? Consider gifting them classes, hikes or festive outings. This is the first in a five-part series by Andrea Ridout comprising our 2025 Green Gift Guide.

Oct 02 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dallas refillery offers antidote to single use plastic bottles

Usefull has helped divert more than 7,300 plastic bottles from landfills, since it started as a pop-up store in 2018. The brick-and-mortar shop opened in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District last year.

Jun 14 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

Hot ideas for a cool, eco-friendly summer

Texan eco-friendly brands like Tumbleweed Texstyles, Mmmpanadas, Yellowbird Hot Sauce, and Kaurina's offer sustainable summer essentials. Products include clothing, gourmet snacks, and plant-based sauces. New Gola Pops launch in July. For hiking, TrailForks helps navigate trails globally. Eco-conscious gear includes Murphy’s Naturals Bug Spray and Spleash leash handle.

Feb 06 2025, ANDREA RIDOUT

2025 Green Valentine Gift Guide

Eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts support fair trade and sustainability. Options include Dallas Zoo animal adoptions, Kate Weiser's artful chocolates, Valentine's runs, White Rock's vegan candles, Maiden Vegan dining, Bishop Hill floral workshops, and JoyfulCo's Discovery Box, benefiting L.A. wildfire victims.

Dec 19 2024, ANDREA RIDOUT

2024 Last Minute Green Gifts

It's the final days of holiday shopping, but don't worry! Grab these eco-friendly gifts quickly. Highlights include Coldplay's vinyl made from recycled bottles, Marshall Grain's poinsettia sale, Dreamboat Donuts' vegan treats, and Rooster Home's Texas-themed goodies. Also explore Froggie's toys, White Rock's coffee, and local entertainment options.

Dec 15 2024, ANDREA RIDOUT

2024 Green Gift Guide for Kids and Pets

Finding ideal gifts for kids and pets is made easier with eco-friendly options like sustainable toys, indoor climbing at Hapik, creative DIY kits, and organic treats. Options include IKEA’s wooden train sets, science kits from KiwiCo, Green Toys, and more. Stores like Sample House provide sustainable choices, and gifts ensure fun and environmental consciousness.

Dec 05 2024, ANDREA RIDOUT

2024 Green Gift Guide

Promote sustainability this holiday with eco-friendly gifts like Spicytude Chai, Victory Seed's garden kits, and Trinity Forest Adventure Park experiences. Options also include Magnolia Art Co watercolors, reusable Swedish dishcloths, TLC Vegan dinner, Texas-made products, and local festive events, enhancing the gift of giving with environmental consciousness.

Jun 07 2024, ANDREA RIDOUT

10 green gift ideas for Dad's Day

Holidays often generate large amounts of waste, prompting the idea of celebrating with eco-friendly gifts and practices, such as using reusable items. Suggestions include Fire Grounds Coffee, Texas-themed tumblers, biodegradable snacks, sustainable shoes, and more. These gifts aim to honor both fathers and Mother Earth.