Power from the People from Ampolo Team on Vimeo.

We suspect that “getting more exercise” was near the top of many New Year’s resolutions lists. We also suspect that “I’ve been chained to my desk” is near the top of many lists explaining why that resolution has yet to be fulfilled. Ampolo viewer Mike has an idea that can break those chains (and gives new meaning to the word “multitasking”).

Recent Ampolo episodes have featured an idea for sharing tollway revenues with charities and a vehicle sticker system to reward drivers of eco-friendly cars. On Sunday January 27, the New York Times offered a tollway-related means for rewarding those driving green.

Neighborhood Pedalers from Ampolo Team on Vimeo.

Last week we introduced you to a “smart way” to reward drivers of eco-friendly automobiles. This week we offer a different way to deal with the inconvenient truths we all face.

Mileage Rewards from Ampolo Team on Vimeo.

From time to time, Ampolo introduces “ordinary” citizens who translate their own ideas into realities that improve the community. Previously, we featured Gabrielle Lyon and Joan Brunwasser. This week, meet Lali Watt. After Howard Dean encouraged those desiring change to get involved in local politics, Lali ran for trustee of Wilmette, Illinois. Once elected she came up with a novel, yet simple plan for rewarding environmentally-conscious village members.

Speaking of being environmentally conscious, we recently received an email from Doug, who sells re-usable shopping bags and other eco-friendly products, including (and we hadn’t thought of this) bio-degradable trash bags. We don’t endorse any particular company’s products and are not receiving anything in return for mentioning this, but you may want to look at his website or other similar sites you can find online. Buying green can make a difference. Also, the Sunday January 13 issue of the Chicago Tribune offered 50 simple tips from a year of living the green life.

Viewer Mail from Ampolo Team on Vimeo.

A mime, a fisherman, and a hit man walk into an Ampolo episode….Complete the joke, or, at least, watch this week’s offering. And please send us your ideas, large and small.

Also, in case you missed it, the New York Times Magazine of Sunday, January 6, features a cover story on a topic that we covered weeks ago: voting machines.

It’s good to see the Times following Ampolo’s lead!