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

Mar 09 2023, ANDREA RIDOUT

10 green ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate an eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day with ten green ideas: reuse decorations, opt for biodegradable glitters, try meatless recipes, shop locally, use reusable dinnerware, choose eco-friendly disposables, enjoy outdoor activities, use public transport, donate to environmental causes, and choose natural dyes over chemicals.

Feb 03 2023, ANDREA RIDOUT

Valentine's Day is chance to show love for Mother Earth

Valentine's Day presents an opportunity to celebrate love sustainably. Suggestions include eco-friendly activities like biking, vegan dining at TLC Vegan Café, virtual cow hugs from The Gentle Barn, cooking classes at Indulge, local gift boxes, Texas-made goods from Go Texan, Flying Wish Paper, and organic socks from Maggies Organics.

Dec 15 2022, ANDREA RIDOUT

2022 Green Gift Guide

The 2022 Green Gift Guide showcases eco-friendly gift options including sustainable products from Rooted In Nursery, local food services, vegan-friendly stores, and unique kid kits. Offerings include Forever Sneakers, Fig Brew, artisan goods from Chisholm Country Store, and gifts for pets, emphasizing sustainability and conservation across categories.

Sep 15 2022, ANDREA RIDOUT

Ready for more rain? Check out these rain barrels, gauges

Install a rain gauge and rain barrel to harness rainwater, saving 1,300 gallons yearly. Quality barrels with brass spigots, proper placement, mosquito prevention, and stable bases are vital. Ready-made and DIY options exist, like Epoch, Wayfair, and Home Depot barrels. Complement with unique rain gauges from Mo Clune or La Crosse Technology.

Jun 29 2022, ANDREA RIDOUT

North Texas couples wed with green style

North Texas couples are opting for eco-friendly weddings to reduce landfill waste. Examples include Brandi Addison’s Earth Day wedding and Claire and Anders’ green nuptials using recycled materials, locally-sourced food, and rented items. Natalie and Ben also embraced sustainable practices. Tips include digital invites, renting, and composting.

Feb 09 2022, ANDREA RIDOUT

2022 Green Valentine Gift Guide

The Green Valentine Gift Guide showcases eco-friendly gifts, highlighting Black-owned businesses like Cinnaholic in Fort Worth for vegan treats, Chocolate Secrets for decadent bonbons, and Makers Connect for artisan gifts. It features plant-based eateries like Sankofa Kitchen and unique products from local enterprises such as Jammit Jam and White Rock Granola.

Nov 30 2021, ANDREA RIDOUT

Made in Texas: Our 2021 Green Gift Guide

Our 2021 Green Gift Guide highlights Texas-based companies promoting eco-friendly products. It features Austin’s Nada Moo's dairy-free ice cream, Whiski Designs' artsy tees, Circle J Fabrication's firepits, Jank Goodness' vegan BBQ sauce, and more.

Jun 11 2021, ANDREA RIDOUT

Treat Dad with a green gift

Celebrate Father's Day sustainably with green gifts: Panther City Vinyl offers nostalgic records, Juice Junkies provides healthful drinks, and Davis Street Mercantile features beard products. Explore goodies from Cox Farms Market, Farmbox Delivery, and GoSun’s solar gadgets. Enjoy Noble Coyote coffee, Humble Pie desserts, and Artiphany’s themed playing cards.

May 05 2021, ANDREA RIDOUT

Treat Mom to a green gift

Mother’s Day offers green gift ideas celebrating environmental consciousness and supporting local businesses. Options include eco-friendly art, treats, accessories, plants, and sustainable goods from places like North Haven Gardens, Central Market, Marshall Grain, Reverie Bakeshop, Mashup Market, and Whole Foods.

Feb 11 2021, ANDREA RIDOUT

2021 Valentine's gift guide for greenies

The 2021 Valentine's Green Gift Guide offers eco-friendly gifts like Joel Sartore's Photo Ark prints, dining at sustainable restaurants, EarthX memberships, Galentine Gift Boxes, local grocery products, VegePod kits, Teasom tea service, and Tayst compostable coffee pods, emphasizing sustainable and local options for Valentine's Day gifting.

Nov 17 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

2020 Green Gift Guide

The 2020 Green Gift Guide offers eco-friendly gift ideas for the holidays, like coffee alternatives, compostable teas, digital magazine subscriptions, vegan candles, and sustainable slippers. It also includes options for eco-conscious composters, heirloom seeds, native plants, and recyclable wrapping paper for environmentally responsible holiday giving.

Aug 11 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Guide to eco-friendly pest control

The guide outlines eco-friendly pest control solutions, highlighting insects' ecological importance. It reviews products like the Spartan Mosquito Eradicator, Mosquito Dunks, Murphy’s Incense Sticks, cedar-based products, and more, offering eco-conscious options for managing pests while protecting beneficial insects.