Guys gone green. Guys seem to outspend the ladies for Valentine's Day. Why not prove your eco-cred and show some eco-love for that special someone this year?

This holiday is recognized as one the biggest waste producers with its cards, candies and roses, along with trash-bound packing material. According to the Greeting Card Association (GCA), approximately 160 million greeting cards will be purchased for Valentine's Day this year, not including those pre-packed cards that kids give out at school.

Love our landfill. Consider saving cards from this year for 2012’s sweet greetings. (Maybe it’s time to recycle the ones we saved from our college-aged son’s days at El Rodeo.) And speaking of elementary school, how about tapping into your inner child and making your own Valentine's Day cards? That's an A+ idea.

Show your love online (but keep your shirt on…). With dozens of e-options, you’re sure to find a paperless greeting that says “I like…like a lot…ah, I love you…” Just seal it with a virtual kiss.

Think outside of those big, frilly, heart-shaped boxes. Fill a vintage teacup and saucer—or whatever she may collect—with fair trade chocolates.

Love, love, love previously-loved jewelry, accessories, handbags and more. "V" is for vintage as well as for Valentine. For some people, buying something used or pre-owned like jewelry or a purse may take some getting used to, but it’s truly the way for today. You’re saving money and not using new materials.

Check out the dazzling array of vintage designer costume jewelry on vvintage90210.com, the online shop run by Beverly Hills resident Jill Garland. (She and her husband, Peter, also own Porta Via restaurant, which features organic produce from local farmers makers.) Some pieces date back to the 30s. Sadly, Garland shuttered her brick-and-mortar storefront V Vintage in the quaint courtyard of Canon Drive in December after four years in that location, but now you can go straight to her website in the comfort of your boxers or briefs.

“Instead of always buying something new, vintage—and also estate jewelry—is a great way to support being green while staying ‘au currant’ and very fashionable,” Garland said. "Most likely you’ll be the only one in town with that piece or accessory."

Many of the goods sold at V Vintage have a great backstory, like the jewelry being sold from the personal collection of dancer and actress Ann Miller, who resided in Beverly Hills for many years.

She loves me, she loves me not. One of my favorite environmental writers, Siel of greenlagirl.com, provides some helpful insight into the upside and downside of fresh-cut flowers. She highlights Wisteria Lane Flower Shop, which offers organic and VeriFlora—Certified Sustainably Grown flowers available online or by phone. You may have seen the shop's work at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and the Montage Hotel. The deadline for Valentine’s Day orders for Beverly Hills delivery is past, but keep Wisteria in mind for your next flower order.

I know it’s tough to buck tradition, but instead of long-stem roses also consider a live plant—a fresh pot of lavender with a piece of fabric wrapped around the pot, or a simple bow. Then the plant can grow along with your love, instead of wilt and end up in the trash.

Love your neighbor…hood. Take a heart-healthy walk with your sweetie and explore the Hills of Beverly—or even the Flats. Unplug the treadmill and get outside. Cost: nada!

Love ya, Mother Earth!