FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2008

 

FREEHOLD – Less than a month into Monmouth County’s “Change the World” light bulb campaign – part of a nationwide contest aimed at switching from incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs – Monmouth County is in second place behind Broward County, Fla.

 

Not bad for a late entrant into the contest. But with eight weeks left to go before official tallying stops, Monmouth County has considerable ground to make up in order to overtake its rival in the Sunshine State. As of Oct. 1, Monmouth County has 3,986 to Broward County’s 6,700.

 

“I know we can do it and it’s for such a good cause,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, who has been spearheading the county’s efforts to be more environmentally conscious. “The winning county will receive 1,000 energy-saving, fluorescent light bulbs, which we will give the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for distribution along with packages of food.”

 

“All that is required to participate in the contest is to make a pledge to install fluorescent light bulbs the next time you change a light bulb in your home,” McMorrow continued. “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.”
 
When making your light bulb pledge, you also will be asked to consider lowering your thermostat this winter or caulking air leaks in your home, because every little bit helps. You must check off changing light bulbs in order for your pledge to be counted toward the contest.

 

When you submit your pledge, you will receive an automatic e-mail with a 10 percent discount coupon on your purchase of a new fluorescent light bulb. It’s important to note that fluorescent light bulbs require proper disposal at a participating town recycling centers or Home Depot. 
 
The contest is part of the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) in the “Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR” campaign that is encouraging all Americans to join with millions of others and take small, individual steps that make a big difference in the fight against global warming.

 

Find out more about the contest and learn more about other “green” initiatives by visiting the county’s Green Connections section of the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.