You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but not because you fall into some domestic stereotype - you just love food. I don't blame you, making delicious meals is incredibly satisfying, and I'm guessing that you also enjoy finding new ways to spruce up your cooking space. Well, you're in luck: I have five simple tips on how to upgrade to a greener kitchen (no paintbrush necessary) and you'll even save money.

1. Baking soda and vinegar. Many recipes call for these ingredients, so you're likely to have them in stock. As an added bonus, these inexpensive items make the best chemical-free all purpose cleaner! Simply sprinkle baking soda on a surface, pour a bit of vinegar on a rag, and wipe: tada - it's clean! You can also add some lemon in the mix for a naturally fresh scent. Or get a little more creative by making the Green Goodness All Purpose Green Home Cleaner .

2. Trash the bags. Consider either using biodegradable trash bags or getting rid of bags altogether. Biodegradable bags look and work just like the average plastic brands, except they decompose easily - they can be found at most natural markets and from many online retailers. If you'd want to go super green and keep your wallet full, skip the bags entirely and put waste directly into your trash can, then clean it out when you empty it.

3. Glass and stainless steel containers. Using glass and stainless steel to store your food is not only better for the environment, but it's safer than plastic for your health. Instead of buying plastic containers that need to be replaced often, invest in durable glass or stainless, or reuse food jars when they're empty. You can store anything from leftovers to herbs to grains in these containers, and they'll also taste better as a result.

4.  Grow your own herbs and veggies. There's nothing like eating a meal made with fresh produce, but it's not too often that it comes from your own soil. However, growing herbs and vegetables is much easier than you may imagine, and can be done in the tiniest of spaces. Whether you have a big yard for a garden, or just a windowsill in a small apartment, you can ...