Red roses… Pink and purple paper hearts…. White lace…
and a splash of green?

A chromatic clash, to be sure. But with all the Valentine-related paper going into landfills year after year, maybe it’s time to send a green message to Mother Earth.

According to the Greeting Card Association, approximately one billion Valentine cards are sent world-wide each year. Only Christmas ranks higher as a card-sending holiday. Most of those cards, along with thousands of candy boxes, wrapping paper and ribbons, go to the landfill each year.

Here are some tips for enjoying a greener Valentine’s Day:

• Consider E-cards. These not only cut down on paper, but also reduce the carbon footprint, since the cards don’t travel through the mail.

• To save on paper and ribbon, consider giving your gift in a reusable bag. If you do decide to use wrapping paper, choose one made of 100 percent post consumer recycled paper. This is made from paper that was brought to a recycle center. Also try to find paper printed with soy or vegetable ink, so that, once disposed of, it can biodegrade without harming the environment.

• Instead of cut flowers, why not give a potted plant or herb? Many plants, including palms, dracaena and ficus, actually help purify the air you breathe. Potted herbs continue giving, as you enjoy them in your cooking.

• As a gift to your sweetheart, think about completing a task or two from your “Honey-do” list. This is an opportunity to give something truly meaningful without spending much money.

• If you receive sweets in a charming box, save it to reuse. Next year, you can fill it with homemade chocolates from Whole Foods or Schakolad — or with your own confections. Schakolad takes 10 percent off the price when you reuse one of their boxes.

• Heart-shaped boxes are wonderful for repurposing, too. Consider turning one into a charming clock for a little girl’s room. Buy the inner workings at a craft store, poke a hole in the lid for the hands and insert the workings. Glue the lid to the base and cut a hole in the base for access to the battery. Or cut a slit in the side for use as a coin bank.

• A heart-shaped box is also perfect for romantic mementos, such as love letters, ticket stubs, etc.

• The plastic molded trays In some chocolate boxes are great for mixing paint or for storing small craft items, such as beads, buttons and charms.

For some great ideas for earth-friendly Valentine's Day gifts, check out The Daily Green. Wishing you a romantic, red hot — and green — Valentine’s Day!

Judy DiForte is a professional organizer for The Betty Brigade, a full-service personal assistance and concierge company, based in Ann Arbor. Email her at Judy @bettybrigade.com.