Barbados get your money. 6 Eco-conscious ways to do just that.

1. Only use reusable water bottles.

Bottled water costs more than gas per gallon. Then there is that whole "plastic bottles everywhere" problem which you can be a part of solving.

Glass is best for reusable water bottles, followed by stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.

2. Change at least one of your light bulbs to LED.

You can receive a return on your investment in two months. Choose what you do with the money saved first and then put it aside for 6 months. See what happens while you reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

Source: Before its news.

3. Separate your bottles.

Keep your water bottles separate from PET bottles for recycling drop off and pick up.

You can get $20 per bag (200 bottles) for PET. Unfortunately water bottles only yield 2 c for every 10 bottles (B's recycling). Recycling diverts waste away from our landfills and we can definitely do with some more space.

In Barbados it is most efficient if we take our bottles to recyclers (B's Recycling/Ace Recycling) rather than wait to schedule pick ups. Save gas and take turns with your like-minded neighbours by dropping off your recyclables once a month.

4. Claim tax benefits

In Barbados there are tax incentives for any business investments made to achieve a green certification or which use energy efficient/solar products.

For households - you can claim efficiency household improvements and water-tanks when its' time to do your taxes.

5. Buy directly from farmers or farmers markets.

Healthy food is not expensive if you go straight to the source especially for produce on the "dirty dozen" list. Ask farmers what they spray on their produce just so you aren't creating other problems for your health (which can still hurt your pocket) and our environment by buying chemical-laden produce.

6. Drive less miles

Set a mileage limit each week or a weekly gas budget. When you max out that limit - carpool. A mileage/gas budget is a good reason to get rides from your friends but please give them gas money, it is still less than if you had to top up your gas tank on your own.

We can be more efficient in how we drive also. Plan your routes and use electronic signatures to avoid the up and down driving which is very common in Barbados.

You want me to drive from St.James to Christ Church to sign a document? My answer is NO.