You don't have to leave your house to help the planet. News 12 Long Island's Elizabeth Hashagen has some tips to make your home green.

A great place to start to make your home Earth-friendly is in the kitchen. Try cooking with a lid or using a microwave to heat up smaller dishes. And if you have leftovers, make sure the food is cool before storing it in the refrigerator.

Buy in bulk when shopping, especially items like laundry detergent and cereal. Bulk items mean less to throw away when you're done.

And of course, try using apps to control the heating and cooling systems in your home. Nest company officials say using the app can help save 12 percent on costs, which in turn helps save the planet.