A few weeks ago, we asked 'Green Tips' readers like you to share your ideas about the environment, the word 'green' and about this column. And you did—3,500 of you. Your message was clear: you want practical green tips you can use at home, at work and in your community. But many of you also argued that political action is the only way to get where we need to go (Greenpeace agrees!).

Interestingly, your reactions often broke down by age group. For example, many over-65s want to take on capitalism and change the system. Many under-34s also want to transform the world, learn more and engage others. Closer to the middle, there were more requests for green pet tips, green beauty ideas and green food options.

So, in future 'Green Tips' columns, look for a beautiful compromise: we'll give you practical tips, but we'll make sure they're always on a continuum with political action.

Over the next few months, we'll be exploring your ideas and inspirations in this column. In the meantime, here are three things Green Tips readers like you have on your mind. And keep reading to the end for direct quotes from our survey!

1. How can I influence others and mobilize communities? You all want to spread the word about the environmental movement. And you want to be strategic about it. You asked: "How can I convince global warming disbelievers?" And: "How can I get friends and family to act without coming across as pushy or a broken record?" And: "I don't want to be a nerdy green guy." You also want to mobilize communities. You asked: "How do I organize a grassroots, community-based movement?" And: "Can you provide templates for citizen engagement that go beyond how/what we choose to consume?" These are great questions and, in coming months, we'll try and get you the answers.

2. How can I see through the greenwash? You all know that the idea of 'green' has been co-opted by corporations and governments to sell you products and get your vote. And you want Greenpeace to help you sort through the greenwash.

Some of you want Green Tips to do this by suggesting specific products or manufacturers. In general, we do not endorse specific products as we don't have the capacity to monitor the options available across the country. We do try to give you general guidelines to help you make wise decisions and become an informed shopper.

In addition, we do occasionally tell you what not to buy. And, sometimes, we might point out the companies that have agreed to our demands. As examples, check out our brand new Seafood Ranking,  the Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics  and our Tissue Guide.

In addition, Greenpeace is non-partisan, so we do not endorse political parties. We can, however, evaluate their election platforms from an environmental perspective, which we did during the last election.

3. Can you set up pre-written letters I can automatically send to politicians? Yes, yes and yes. Stay tuned.

To those who won the Greenpeace water bottles—congratulations! We'll get in touch with you soon over email.

Thank you to everyone who responded for your thoughtful, funny, insightful and moving input! It was a privilege to read.

Here are a few edited samples of what you had to say about the 'green living' trend.

 "The fact that more people are talking and learning about living green is fantastic. However, I am concerned that corporations are using 'living green' as a marketing scheme to help sell their products."

"Help us distinguish between 'green' as a value and 'green' as a marketing strategy."

"I am very concerned about the 'popularity' of green living. Is is distracting from the big picture?"

"In many instances, I find that green living is inaccessible, and aimed at a white, middle class audience. I would like to see more DIY, radical, struggle-based initiatives."

"I believe in ideological and political solutions (targeting laws, agreements, corporate procedures) and would like to learn more about how we, the individuals, might get involved in these decisions more actively and practically."

"I guess the problem is, in many cases, I don't feel as though I can make a difference except in areas over which I have direct control (like at home)."

"I am curious about what policies are being put in place to prevent further environmental degradation, but I feel that real change starts in everyone's home."

"It's about time. I'm no longer the 'weird granola' chick. It bugs me now that it's almost fashionable to be green, but if that's what it takes, then great."