NMEA Blue-Green Lifestyle

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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!