A local sorority partnered with Keep Bermuda Beautiful to help clean up North East Hamilton.The Bermuda alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc took to the streets as part of a community clean-up day held last month. More than 40 participants turned out for the event, which started at the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone Agency headquarters on Union Street.Sorority president Roxanne Christopher said such efforts to improve local neighbourhoods was essential to the chapter’s core values.“North East Hamilton is a true gem and we are committed to being a partner in the revitalisation of one of our Country’s most historical communities. We must all commit to playing a vital role in the success of every community across our Island. Any change begins with each and every one of us as we pay it forward to reclaim our neighbourhoods.”She encouraged all residents to join the ‘green’ effort and live a waste-reducing lifestyle.Ten ways to go green and save green, adapted from Worldwatch Institute (www.worldwatch.org)Save energy to save moneySet your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a smart power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts phantom or vampire energy use.Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible, as 85 percent of the energy used goes to heating the water.Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy.Save water to save moneyTake shorter showers to reduce water use and lower your electric bills.Install a low-flow showerhead.Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet, as they conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.Plant drought-tolerant native plants.Less gas = More MoneyWalk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work or move closer.Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes.Eat smartIf you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week.Buy locally and humanely raised organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain. This is especially true for seafood.Skip the bottled waterUse a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminium rather than plastic, with you when travelling or at work.Think before you buyGo online to find new or gently used second-hand products. Whether you’ve just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like E-Moo to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or free.Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.Borrow instead of buyingBorrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, ink and paper.Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbours while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.Buy smartBuy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save on money and packaging.Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned, as it cuts down on toxic chemicals.Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you’ll be happy when you don’t have to replace items as frequently, which means less waste.Don’t trash electronicsKeep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem. Recycle your cell phone at Phone Bay Bermuda.Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.Make environmentally friendly cleaning supplies or buy naturalThe big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon and soap.Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging not to mention your indoor air quality.Or purchase Seventh Generation or other earth-friendly products from local stores.