Your say: week beginning April 7

Every day, we publish a selection of your emails in our newsletter. We’d love to hear from you, you can email us at yoursay@theconversation.edu.au.

Monday April 7

The benefits of citizen science

“Each morning as I read The Conversation, I am challenged, surprised, filled with joy and sometimes saddened. I always feel informed. As someone who facilitates a citizen science program for a Friends of group, I could readily relate to two articles on citizen science this morning. The health benefits described in this article are often chatted about informally as our group members walk, observe and share information about what we’re seeing and hearing in the natural world. Inevitably, and without consciously trying, the demands of every-day life end up sitting on the back burner for a while while we enjoy being outdoors in the company of like-minded people. Is it any wonder that citizen science is finding a place in more and more people’s lives, and its value is being increasingly recognised? As your articles suggest, why then is so little attention directed to supporting it financially?”

Sue Tardif Olinda, VIC

Solar for apartment blocks

“Thank you for shining a light on a housing issue which does not get enough focus, the poor standards of apartment blocks. You are more likely to notice temperature changes in a smaller home, especially when poorly insulated (and most apartments are VERY poorly insulated) so access to solar power would make a huge financial difference. This issue also highlights the problems with the current management of apartment blocks. My experience is that the body corporates seem to either ignore owners or delegate to the committee which is made up of unqualified, busy and often self-serving owners.”

Jane David, Naarm VIC