NMEA Blue-Green Lifestyle
It’s almost time for NMEA 2018, hosted by the Southwest Marine Educators Association in sunny Long Beach, CA! As you begin to pack your bags please remember NMEA’s Blue-Green Initiatives and…
Bring Your Own (BYO):
BYOWB – favorite REUSABLE water bottle!
BYOM – favorite REUSABLE mug!
BYONBH – favorite REUSABLE name badge holder from a previous conference or workshop. If you have a stash of extras and are willing to donate them, bring them along. We will gladly share them at registration for others to reuse!
BYOT – favorite REUSABLE tote, for all of that awesome NMEA swag!
It’s always wise to plan ahead. Think: how can I pack lighter? What do I want to do in my spare time? Where should I eat? How can I be more blue-green? Well, here are some additional travel tips and possible answers to those lingering questions:
Bring your own refillable toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. so that you don’t need to use the ones offered in your room.
Keep your towels on the rack and reuse them.
Practice water conservation!
Do to specific requirements of the ship, the rooms may be chilly…we recommend bringing layers! But hey, southern California can be cool at night anyway!
Pack clothes that can be worn more than once. Do you really need 5 pairs of jeans?
Eat at establishments that support local, organic and/or sustainable food supplies, and avoid take-out unless packed in sustainable packaging. Check out https://la.eater.com/maps/best-long-beach-restaurants
OH…you can’t forget dessert! https://longbeachcreamery.com/ and https://thepiebarlongbeach.com/
Bring/use reef and eco-safe sunscreens.
Support local businesses and buy locally-made souvenirs.
Make sure to plan some time to explore the historic Queen Mary. From exhibits to tours, it has it all. Check it out! https://www.queenmary.com/tours/ NMEA attendees get a discount! Woot! Woot!
Other things you can do once conferencing is over:
Tide pooling at Abalone Cove
Taking a southbound drive down Pacific Coast Highway at sunset
Checking out the surf at Huntington Beach (Surf City USA!)
Walking down Main Street in Seal Beach
Eating breakfast burritos at every possible opportunity!
Most of all…ENJOY NMEA 2018 in LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA!