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 05 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

2019 Green Gift Guide for Women

The 2019 Green Gift Guide for Women highlights ethical, eco-friendly gifts that combine self-care with environmental care. Featuring organic and plant-based products, artisan-made items, vegan and cruelty-free offerings, and sustainable crafts, this guide provides earth-friendly selections for the special women in your life.

Nov 27 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

2019 Green Gift Guide for Men

The 2019 Green Gift Guide for Men encourages eco-friendly holiday shopping. It suggests buying from local stores and choosing sustainable products. The guide features gifts like puzzles, DIY kits, non-toxic rust remover, local coffee, books, bamboo combs, mushroom kits, specialty chocolates, men's skincare, waterproof notebooks, and more, all emphasizing sustainability.

Nov 21 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

2019 Green Gift Guide for Kids

We’re kicking off our four-part 2019 Green Gift Guide with some ideas for the smallest among us. In this list, we've included innovative Earth-friendly gifts to appeal to youth of all ages. You might even find something for yourself!

Oct 30 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Tiny house village opens in Lake Dallas

Earlier this month, Terry Lantrip, owner of the Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village, welcomed residents to the first in-town neighborhood built exclusively for tiny houses in North Texas. Now five tiny homes are snuggled into a one-acre field that was once part of a historic farm.

Oct 15 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Texas A&M AgriLife unveils renovated Dallas campus

Texas A&M AgriLife in Dallas unveiled its renovated campus, featuring eco-friendly technologies and new facilities. Highlights include the Urban Agriculture Building, greenhouses for research, the Water and Land Resources Building, the Gardens, and the Benny J. Simpson Ecopark, all promoting sustainability and educational outreach.

Aug 22 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Send kids back to school with these green supplies

Send kids back to school with eco-friendly supplies like the Eco School Kit, Sproutable Pencils, Bento Boxes, reusable and compostable bags, Eco Utensils, and more. These sustainable options help teach kids about environmental stewardship while providing practical and fun school essentials.

Aug 14 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Water Filters 101: Tips for wading through the options

In north Texas, tap water can taste unpleasant despite being generally clean. To improve water quality, consider filters, which vary from carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis to multi-stage systems. Tested brands like Brita, Zero Water, Life Straw, Aquasana, and others offer varying benefits, while eco-friendly options are emerging to reduce waste.

Jun 12 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dads will love these green gifts

Consider eco-friendly Father's Day gifts: Bishop Cider offers gluten-free, vegan ciders; enjoy meals at sustainable local eateries; shop Texas Olive Ranch olive oils; get a durable Leatherman tool; try Maximus LED Camera Floodlight for security; receive discounts at Natural Grocers; choose Brazos Walking Sticks; or gift an iFixit toolkit.

May 08 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Give Mom a unique green gift

Celebrate Mother's Day with eco-friendly gifts: Yims Foods offers award-winning pickled treats, Thrive Apothecary sells CBD products for well-being, and 5 Mile Chocolate provides sustainable two-ingredient bars. Other options include rustic jewelry by Ruth Semmi, Tula Hats, One Tiny Acre's soaps, recycled art cards from Beverly Ann Moore, and a bee-friendly garden kit from Pretty Things and Cool Stuff.

Mar 05 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Plant-based take-out venue opens third location in DFW

Two Dallas sisters, Marianne Lacko and Annette Baker, have expanded their all-vegan takeaway venture, Nature's Plate, by opening a third location in DFW. They offer delicious, healthy, prepped meals with eco-friendly packaging, along with classes and meal plans focused on unprocessed, plant-based foods.

Feb 28 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Tiny house village breaks ground in Lake Dallas

A new tiny house village in Lake Dallas, breaking national news, is the first of its kind within a city. Developed by Terry Lantrip and tiny house advocate B.A. Norrgard, the community features 13 homes and shared amenities. Residents prioritize minimalist living, and the project aims to blend sustainability with local engagement.

Feb 06 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

20 eco-friendly treats for Valentine's Day

This eco-friendly Valentine’s Day guide suggests ethical gifts and experiences, such as dining at Café Modern, exploring local gardens, enjoying vegan desserts, and purchasing fair-trade items. Options include sustainable dining experiences, vegan sweets, locally crafted goods, and eco-conscious gifts at various Texas locations and online.