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 7 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's Shoebox line wimps out with only 20% post-consumer content, 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. Seltzer makes a line of clever, modern holiday cards printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper that's certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Doodle Greetings has a selection of cute cartoons on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, while Rossetti Designs has elegant, colorful styles. Eco-Expressions has hip holiday designs on 100% post-consumer recycled paper printed with vegetable-based inks.

Why not avoid trees entirely? Tree-Free Greetings has dozens of holiday cards printed on papers made from reclaimed sugar cane.

If you really care about saving 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.

At least now when you send something to grandmom this year, you don't have to feel bad about all the paper waste.