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

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.

Feb 06 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Eco-friendly treats for your Valentine

Treat your loved ones with eco-friendly Valentine's gifts. Options include local foods like White Rock Granola and Teasom teas, plus vegan treats from Reverie Bakeshop. For experiences, consider a drive-in movie at Coyote Drive-In, a romantic meal at Healthy Hippie Cafe, or an evening at the Perot Museum.

Jan 27 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dallas woman crochets 'climate' scarf

Dallas woman Jennifer Stuart created a 13-foot "temperature scarf" that visualizes 2019's North Texas climate, using yarn colors to depict temperature data inspired by The Tempestry Project. This project fosters awareness and conversation about climate change through creative textile artistry and community collaboration.

Jan 08 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Here's new green gear to start the new year

This series introduces eco-friendly products to promote environmental responsibility. Featured items include BioLite’s solar kit, House of Marley's audio gear from recycled materials, Nimble's plant-based phone chargers, Hamama’s microgreens grow kits, Savvy Rest's organic sheets, Elm West’s blankets, Monarch Watch initiatives, Behr's VOC-free paint, and Sola-Tile's recycled wall coverings.

Jan 06 2020, ANDREA RIDOUT

Need inspiration? 20 green quotes for 2020

At the dawn of 2020, as we set goals for a greener year, ponder these powerful green quotes from environmentalists like Greta Thunberg and Jane Goodall, highlighting urgent climate actions, sustainable living, and personal responsibility to inspire positive environmental change.

Dec 19 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

2019 Green Gift Guide for Pets

When you’re shopping for holiday gifts, don’t forget the little pals who enrich our lives so much - our animal friends. Choose gifts that will make them happy but also help our planet at the same time. Support these local and national merchants with goodies that you’ll find around DFW and online.

Dec 11 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

2019 Green Gift Guide!

The 2019 Green Gift Guide offers eco-friendly gift ideas across four categories: Women, Men, Kids, and Pets. Each installment includes items like planet-friendly lotions, eco-friendly utensils, educational toys, and organic pet treats sourced from local North Texas shops and online stores.