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

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.

May 04 2024, ANDREA RIDOUT

Celebrate Mom's Day with green style

Celebrate Mother’s Day with eco-friendly experiences like Goat Yoga in Las Colinas, shopping at Dallas Farmers Market, and unique gifts from Global Mamas. Enjoy Fort Worth's Japanese Gardens or Water Gardens for a peaceful outing. Consider a Davis St. Mercantile candle workshop or a Mill composter for a sustainable gift.

Feb 07 2024, ANDREA RIDOUT

These Valentine's Day gifts show love for the planet

Explore planet-friendly Valentine's Day gifts, perfect for expressing love while respecting the Earth. From S3niorman's vegan backpacks to Christy Robinson's sustainable jewelry, these options include refillable pens, premium chocolates, compostable coffee, vintage jewelry art, and Valentine-themed treats, all crafted with recycled materials or eco-awareness in mind.

Dec 20 2023, ANDREA RIDOUT

2023 Last Minute Green Gift Guide

The 2023 Last Minute Green Gift Guide offers a variety of eco-friendly, locally sourced gifts perfect for the holiday season. Highlights include Crazy Water experiences, Half Price Books finds, unique coffee and pastries, Texas craft beers, quality tools, and vegan treats—all easily accessible from local businesses.

Dec 14 2023, ANDREA RIDOUT

2023 Green Gift Guide for Pets

The 2023 Green Gift Guide for Pets recommends eco-friendly gifts that prioritize sustainability and pet well-being. Suggestions include natural treats, durable toys, stylish beds, and innovative pet care products—all aimed at reducing environmental impact while delighting your furry companions.

Dec 08 2023, ANDREA RIDOUT

2023 Green Gift Guide for Kids

The 2023 Green Gift Guide for Kids highlights eco-friendly gift ideas, including a Made in Texas onesie, bird workshops, gardening kits, and STEM toys. The guide features unique offerings like Lump of Coal products, dragon playsets, and recycled material toys, promoting sustainability and creativity for young eco-conscious gift recipients.

Dec 01 2023, ANDREA RIDOUT

Here's our 2023 Green Gift Guide

The 2023 Green Gift Guide features eco-friendly gifts such as Farmer’s Defense sleeves, reMarkable 2 tablets, organic fruit baskets from Harry and David, and Lomi composters. It highlights sustainable products like Confetti Snacks, Crystal deodorant, and Susan’s Own CBD products, promoting gifts that align with environmental and health-conscious living.