Dear Kraft Foods . . .

You can see in the photos above that the cardboard box for the sugar free lime Jell-o packet weighs .03 ounces.  While the second photo shows that the packet and product weigh .04 ounces.  However, the envelope itself weighs .01 ounces, so the packaging for this Jell-o in fact does weigh more than the product it contains.  Doesn't that seem a bit strange to anyone else?  Also the package does not indicate that any recycled materials were used in it's manufacture.  What's a consumer to do?  One option would be to stop using their product, but we LOVE Jell-o.  So we decided to write a letter.  And, why just send a letter when you can send it to the CEO of the company!  So, here's the letter.  It went in the mail yesterday.   We'll see if we get any response.
Ms Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO of Kraft Foods,

         I am one of a small group of church members who are concerned for the environment and are seeking to reduce our carbon footprint.  Today my pastor and I phoned your Jello division with our concern about excessive packaging of miniscule amounts of product in large, wasteful containers.  The weight of the sugar-free gelatin packaging actually exceeds the weight of the product contained in that packaging.  Judy, the nice, helpful woman to whom we spoke, suggested that we write to you at the above address.       Is there a way that you could creatively reduce the amount of your packaging?  Also, we are wondering if you have green policies in place for your company?  If so, is there some way we could view those policies?  Also, there nothing printed on your package to indicate that the boxes are made from recycled materials.  Can we assume, then, that the packaging materials are manufactured from "virgin" ingredients?  Would the cost be prohibitive to use recycled materials?         I remember fondly what a treat it was when my mother made cherry Jell-O with bananas for dessert, and I have been a faithful Jello customer all my adult life.  I would like to see you reduce your wasteful packaging, and to pursue using recycled materials.  These small steps would help me and all Jell-O consumers to reduce our carbon footprint.
Sincerely,
Joanne Walker and Pastor Mark C. Pederson