Families enrolled in Illinois’ Bright Start College Savings Program can now save money and the environment by switching from paper to electronic delivery of their account statements.

This offer, which was announced Wednesday by Ill. State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, allows people who sign up before April 30, or who already have switched to e-delivery, to be eligible to win a $1,000 contribution to their Bright Start account. The two winners will be announced by May 15.

“This is a great environmental incentive,” Giannoulias said in a press release. “By saving paper, families have the chance to make their Bright Start accounts a little greener.”

According to the release, the average American uses more than 635 pounds of paper a year. Currently, four quarterly statements are mailed to Bright Start account holders annually in addition to statements every time a deposit is made.

Bright Start enables families to save for future college expenses and use tax-free investment earnings. The program is a nearly $2 billion savings plan with more than 186,000 accounts which offers investment options saving plans.

To sign up for the e-delivery statements, account holders can log in to their Bright Start account, select Email/E-delivery in the left column and follow the instructions.

For more information about the contest or to see the official rules and regulations, follow the “Go Green to Win Green” link at www.brightstartsavings.com or call 1-877-43-BRIGHT.