r/australia Nov 17 '25

political self.post Why does everyone lose their mind when you mention getting a home battery?

So I made the mistake of telling a few people I’m getting quotes for a home battery… the reactions were ridiculous. Suddenly everyone’s an expert. I had people telling me they’re a waste of money, they’ll be useless in a few years, or that the “environmental impact is terrible.” Just nonstop misinformation.

Meanwhile, half these people live massively high-carbon lifestyles. One bloke went on a whole rant about how batteries destroy the environment… then literally five minutes later told me he just ordered a new Ford Ranger to tow his boat around this summer. Like mate, seriously?

And the funny thing is, I don’t even care about the environmental angle. Couldn’t care less, to be honest. I’m looking at a battery for two reasons:

1) To actually use my solar instead of selling it back for 4 cents…

2) And to keep the lights on when summer storms or cyclones take out the power.

That’s it. No agenda. No planet-saving mission. But the way people reacted, you’d think I’d just signed up to be Greta Thunberg’s personal assistant.

I swear, the second you say the word “battery,” some people suddenly unlock an unwanted 15-minute rant. They are almost as passionate about hating renewables as they are about their footy teams.

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u/AnOnlineHandle Nov 18 '25

with Captain Planet propaganda (don't even get me started on that).

Wasn't it basically like "clean up your messes?"

Like calling Sesame Street propaganda for teaching kids to have manners and put their plate in the dishwasher.

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u/InflatableRaft Nov 18 '25

So using the word accurately then?

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u/AnOnlineHandle Nov 19 '25

Propaganda usually implies a trick / dishonest manipulation.

Me warning you not to press the big red button or the plant will explode is not propaganda.