Did you know that aspen leaves have timers that are triggered by the Summer Solstice? As we make our way into fall, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer and cooler. The leaves stop making sugars and chlorophyll and give their production back to the tree. Next, the leaves change colors and fall to the ground. This reminds us that we need to prepare for cooler temperatures that are on the way, and to get out and see the beautiful colors before they are gone.
The aspen trees of the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best fall color sight seeing options in the country. Many of Colorado’s high mountain roads see an increase in traffic because of all the people trying to see the colors and get in touch with nature, so it is important that we learn how to see all the colors while trying to reduce the impact of being out on the road. For example, research done by the Climate Action Collaborative found that just by having your tires inflated can save up to 10 cents per gallon of gasoline which saves 1.3 pounds of C02 per day out of the atmosphere. This may not seem like much, but with all of the added traffic on mountain roads it adds up quickly.
Three tips to sustainably see fall’s colors.
- Stay local – If you live in Eagle County, you don’t have to travel to see fall’s colors. Eagle County’s amazing landscape offers all kinds of hiking opportunities to see falls colors.
- Be prepared – Make sure your up date on vehicle maintenance and that your tires are properly inflated. Bring along your zero waste travelling kit to avoid any single use items such as plastic cups and silverware.
- Carpool – Share your experience with family and friends, and reduce emissions by teaming up and carpooling.
