Americans send out almost 2 billion Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards and Kwanzaa cards over the holiday season, making the card-exchanging custom one of the most notable of the winter holidays. However, nearly 2 billion paper cards and paper envelopes that will be displayed through January and then recycled–you wouldn’t throw them in the garbage, would you?–don’t spell joy to the world. You can minimize your own greeting impact by sending e-cards (likely the greenest option but it might not cut it for you), revamping and reusing old cards you’ve received or buying Christmas cards made with recycled paper. Below are five of our favorite recycled-content cards that are creative, classy and all about red, white and, most of all, green.

1. Birdie Wreath Wooden Holiday Cards by Night Owl Paper Goods
While these cards are not the most economical option (especially if you send out a lot of cards), they are guaranteed to be one of the more unique greetings your friends and family receive in the mail this year. The simple wreath design and “Merry Christmas” printing keep things simple and folksy (but not in the Sarah Palin way) and the sustainably-harvested yellow birch fits an eco-friendly focus.

2. Menorah Holiday Cards by Snow & Graham
If you celebrate Hanukkah, wading through racks of cards that feature Santa and/or the Nativity can be a bit frustrating. Likewise with settling for a neutral card that has relatively nothing to do with Hanukaah but doesn’t scream “Christmas”. These cards are sophisticated, printed on 100% recycled paper with vegetable-based inks, and celebrate Hanukkah loud and proud. The inside printing of “May your holiday be filled with love, laughter and light” keeps things sentimental.

3. Jingle Bells Holiday Cards by Seltzer
For the green sender with a flair for fun these are a perfect fit; at first the lyrics to Jingle Bells can seem like a cliched choice, but the numeric instructions to “Dial Jingle Bells” that accompany are too tempting to not try (we punched them into a phone and felt instantly festive). On the serious side 100% post-consumer recycled paper, vegetable-based inks and recycled envelopes make for a truly environmentally-friendly set.

4. Tree Photo-Holiday Cards by paper*ink studio
Including a photo in your holiday card is a pretty sure way to please the recipients, especially if you’re sending cards to people who don’t get to see you very often or if you have small children. You can attach photos you already have to these recycled paper, soy-ink cards and save yourself–and the environment–from further printing. The subtle graphic design and solid red envelope add impact to any photo…even the one where everyone was looking away or blinking.

5. Festive Holiday Season Holiday Cards by Smudge Ink
If you’re into the holidays but sick of red, white and green, these cards offer plenty of popping colors and a kaleidoscope design that has nothing to do with reindeer and elves. An external message of “Wishing you a festive holiday season” and the internal “happy New Year” can suit a range of religions (we like them for Kwanzaa) and post-consumer recycled paper keeps the ecological aspect involved.

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