Got your green card?

Some people absolutely adore receiving Christmas cards. They feel like sad-sack Charlie Browns if their mailboxes are empty in December, and they send out a ton of cards to ensure getting plenty back.

According to the Greeting Card Association, about 2 billion Christmas cards are sold each year in the U.S. That's a lot of trees being killed to say "happy holidays." So what are some greener card options?

Recycled paper is the first thing to look for. It's easy to find too.

While Hallmark wimps out with only 20% post-consumer content in a couple card lines, Recycled Paper Greetings has used 100% recycled paper since 1971. You've probably seen its cards featuring Gary Larson's "Far Side" cartoons, and the company has boxed Christmas cards available at many retailers.

Several websites also sell snazzy recycled paper cards. Doodle Greetings has a selection of cute cartoons on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, while Rossetti Designs has elegant, colorful styles.

Why not go tree-free? Peaceful Valley has more than 20 card designs printed on papers made from sustainably harvested sources such as kenaf, sugar cane, and bamboo.

If you really care about the trees, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree for every $5.95 donation you make by buying one of their holiday cards.

Or try a Christmas card that has a second life. Several companies make cards that have flower seeds embedded in biodegradable paper, and the card is printed with planting instructions. When spring comes, the card's recipient can plant your card in the garden. Green Field Paper Company, Bloomin' Flower Cards, and Of the Earth each have different types of seed cards for the holidays.

Finally, ReProduct has a unique take on reducing and reusing. Each card it sells has pre-paid return postage envelope that the recipient uses to send it back to the company. Then the card and envelopes are used to make carpet backing in new carpet tiles. Clever.

Now which do I send to Grandmom this year...  .