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 12 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Shop green for Dad's Day

Celebrate Dad’s Day with eco-friendly gifts that support Mother Earth. Opt for meals from local restaurants or choose gifts like reusable Silpat baking mats, safety razors, Pale Blue Earth rechargeable batteries, and DNA tests. Consider organic herb seeds, smart watering kits, or donations in Dad’s name for a meaningful touch.

Jun 10 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Shopping for an electric mower? Here's our guide

The article provides a guide for choosing electric mowers, highlighting brands like Stihl, Ryobi, EGO, Greenworks, and Black & Decker. It emphasizes the benefits of battery-powered tools, including zero emissions, less maintenance, and compatibility among brand tools. It also mentions robotic and reel mowers as eco-friendly alternatives.

Jun 04 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Green up your home office

Transform your home office with eco-friendly practices. Incorporate recycled office supplies, energy-efficient lighting, and live plants for better air quality. Use sustainable products like the Jet Multi-pen, Pilot B2P pens, Auspen refillable markers, and more. Opt for recycled paper, reusable sticky notes, and eco-friendly furniture for a greener workspace.

May 05 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Green gift ideas for Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, consider eco-friendly gifts like kits from Orr Reed Wrecking, vegan treats from Frankly Good, Texas windchimes, Radical Tea Towels, and Jane Goodall's conservation Masterclass. Additional ideas include White Rock Soap Gallery products, handmade hammocks, and native plants from Eco Blossom.

Apr 20 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Meet the organizer of the first Earth Day

In 1970, Denis Hayes, recruited by Senator Gaylord Nelson, organized the first Earth Day. The bipartisan effort catalyzed a global environmental movement, drawing 20 million participants. Hayes, a key environmental advocate, continues to influence the sector through his work and leadership at the Bullitt Foundation.

Apr 15 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

20 green tips for Earth Day!

Here are 20 tips to reduce your environmental footprint: use compostable coffee pods, make eco-friendly cleaning products, start composting, plant native species, grow organic food, reduce meat consumption, filter tap water, fix leaks, install LED lights and insulation, cook at home, buy sustainable products, recycle more, donate items, shop local, use reusable bags, collect rainwater, and drive less.

Apr 09 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

North Texans share tips for growing 'Victory Gardens'

North Texans encourage reviving Victory Gardens, a WWII tradition of home gardening, due to its health and environmental benefits. Gardening boosts immunity, mental well-being, and offers fresh produce. Experts advise on starting seeds, choosing plants, and utilizing small spaces, emphasizing patience and local resources.

Apr 02 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Many garden centers still open as North Texans shelter at home

With North Texans sheltering at home, many find time to garden. Despite the pandemic, garden centers in Dallas are open, offering plants and supplies. Highlights include Marshall Grain, Weston Gardens, and online options like Eco Blossom. Safety measures are emphasized, with garden kits and curbside pickups available.

Mar 25 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Home air filters can improve indoor environmental health

Texans face high indoor pollution due to pollen and dust, worsened by potentially useless HEPA filters against coronavirus. Experts recommend reducing contaminants at home with better indoor quality practices, eco-friendly air filters, and using houseplants. Various air purifiers, like Guardian and Alen models, help cleanse indoor air effectively.

Mar 19 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Keeping it clean - and green!

Explore eco-friendly cleaning options like Wet It dishcloths, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, and Mrs. Meyer's products. Discover biodegradable and plant-based alternatives such as ECOS, If You Care, and Dropps. Make DIY cleaners using household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice to reduce chemical exposure.

Mar 10 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Irving middle school was early example of net zero campus

Lady Bird Johnson Middle School in Irving, Texas, opened in 2011, was the state’s first net zero school and the nation’s largest at the time. It combines solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems for energy efficiency. Educational tours and activities emphasize its eco-friendly features.

Feb 18 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dallas eye doc had foresight about solar

Dr. John Haley, a Dallas ophthalmologist, adopted solar energy early, installing panels at his home and office to mitigate Y2K concerns. The upgrades significantly cut energy costs—by up to 70% at his office—and highlight the environmental benefits and financial incentives of solar power adoption.