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 27 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Net zero home underway in Garland by green builder Don Ferrier

Ferrier Custom Homes takes their green mission seriously – even recycling up to 80-percent of construction waste. Photos courtesy of Andrea Ridout.

June 27, 2017

When Don Ferrier surveys an open field, he sees the palette of wildflowers and green grass waving in the gentle Texas breeze. But Ferrier also envisions another kind of green – an image of a green home that can fit responsibly into the landscape.

Jun 14 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Eco-friendly gift ideas for Father’s Day

Check out these green gifts for Dads from local retailers. Above, a whimsical vehicle for a succulent garden from Redenta's.

June 14, 2017

Dads these days know that it’s keen to be green – so why not honor your father with a gift that shows his love of Mother Earth?

May 29 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dallas TreeHouse founder has deep green roots

Jason Ballard, CEO of TreeHouse, the Austin-based green home improvement store, held a preview at NorthPark Center in preparation for the opening of a Dallas location June 2. A third store is planned to open in Plano in the fall. Photo by Andrea Ridout.

May 29, 2017

May 09 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Eco-friendly Mother's Day gifts from local green retailers

May 10, 2017

Sunday is Mother’s Day and if your mom is as hip as you are, surprise her with an eco-friendly gift from a local merchant. When you shop local and go green, you honor not only your own mom but also this amazing planet that cares for us all. Mom will love you for it and so will Mother Earth!

Apr 17 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Chick Pics! Fowl fans flock to North Texas poultry show

Maranda Haschke of Decatur brought her prize-winning Belgian d'Uccle rooster, Billy, to compete at the North Texas Poultry Showcase at Fair Park in Dallas on April 8. Photos by Andrea Ridout.

April 17, 2017

Mar 31 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Avian experts nest in tiny house in Dallas County

Wildbird trainers Lindsey and Simon McNeny share a tiny house with their birds on the property of Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Hutchins. Photo courtesy of Kim Louis Design.

April 3, 2017

Little by little the bird makes its nest. - French Proverb.

Mar 28 2017, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dallas movie producer launches new green film festival

Michael Cain is overseeing the inaugural EARTHxFilm, April 19-23, during Earth Day Texas.

March 28, 2017

As one of the most successful movie producers in Texas, Michael Cain is on a mission. Having produced more than 20 feature length films for HBO and Showtime, the Dallas native is part of the new generation of filmmakers who not only support quality movie making – but hope the world becomes a better place because of their projects.