With less than two weeks to go, Monmouth County remains in second place behind North Carolina's Durham County in the number of residents who have vowed to replace their standard incandescent light bulbs with new energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

According to a press release from the county, if Monmouth County surges these last two weeks and overtakes Durham, it could be the recipient of 1,000 free fluorescent bulbs. County officials have already arranged to distribute the bulbs to needy families through the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

It's all part of the "Change the World" light bulb campaign, a nationwide contest aimed at switching from incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. Local participation in the contest is through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

"I urge every Monmouth County household and business to take up the challenge and register as part of this nationwide contest," Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. "Not only will you help the environment by consuming less energy, but you will be helping your pocketbook, too. Plus, if the county wins, we will be able to distribute 1,000 free light bulbs to those who are less fortunate."

Monmouth County was a late entrant into the contest. But with two weeks left before official tallying stops, Monmouth County was about 1,500 registrations behind its rival in the Tar Heel state.

"All that is required to participate in the contest is to make a pledge to install just one fluorescent light bulb the next time you change a light bulb in your home," Mc- Morrow said. "Pledging can be done online by visiting www.greencounties.org/changetheworld. It only takes a few minutes. If a few more people sign up we can begin to make a real difference here in Monmouth County."

Find out more about the contest and learn more about other "green" initiatives by visiting Monmouth County's Green Connections section of the county's Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.