No, people who don’t subscribe to a liberal(centrist), modernist, convenient, environmentalist worldview are not kneejerk alarmists. They just share a different philosophy. And debate within “progressive” circles is healthy. :)

Microwaves and cell phones actually have a lot in common in this respect — so if you use a celly, you might consider the similarities the next time you’re tempted to type “FAIL. That’s fraudulaent, new-wave environmenalism” — whether directed at me or someone else :P

The point, I think, is to try to act in a way that’s prudent while weighing potential risks and consequences of our decisions alongside efforts to lead a relatively normal, fulfilling life — vs. having kneejerk or alarmist reactions to new(ish) technologies. With regard to microwaves, I think Umbra’s advice is v. prudent: take advantage of the appliance’s energy-efficiency — and also take precautions for your health.

WTF is new-wave environmentalism anyway? It sounds fun — planting trees while listening to Depeche Mode?

But know that my criticism was named at the author of the book, not you. And I wouldn’t call any of this alarmist.

No, there are no “rules”. But we all need to be aware of “greenwashing”, especially as it relates to modern consumer products that are hardly necessities. “Green” cell phones are a great example we’ll all be hearing about (ie. marketed) soon.

Keep up the good work, and thanks for entertaining alternative “green” opinions.

Anyway — With accusations of fraudulence, it’s often helpful to name some reasons why. I suspect I know what they are, esp. as I’ve had one other person email me with a similarly alarmist, unsubstanciated comment. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with Umbra’s more sane take on microwaves.

Glad I could help, Katrina!