At New Smyrna Beach, we boast 17 miles of pristine shoreline, vast expanses of blueways and more beautiful green spaces and natural areas than we can count. We aim to keep it that way. We are proud to be a designated member of One Planet Living, an international organization that promotes long-term sustainability through easy-to-grasp eco-friendly practices. We were the first city in the state to join the organization, and it’s one of many ways we keep our paradise protected.
To be part of the One Planet ecosystem, we aligned with 10 specific sustainable development goals outlined by the organization. Each goal is designed to be easily implemented and maintained, creating a practical and clear roadmap for long-term sustainability. In addition to our accreditation with the organization, the City of New Smyrna Beach, Marine Discovery Center, Springhill Suites Marriott and Third Wave Café all have earned designations by One Planet Living.
A few practices we have in place city-wide that adhere to the 10 goals of One Planet Living include a ban on the sale and use of polypropylene and polystyrene food service products, such as Styrofoam and plastic straws. The ban applies to vendors and contractors on city property. Our tourism bureau offices are also lit with energy-efficient bulbs, and staff use refillable water bottles, metal straws and multi-use silverware. The bureau has also adopted a section of beach and regularly schedules clean-ups.
The Marine Discovery Center’s primary goal for the last 20 years has been to educate all who visit about the diverse wildlife that can be found in the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. The Center itself is home to a live aquarium, and offers several educational programs and children’s camps. They also offer boat tours of the diverse waterways that surround NSB, offering a fun and educational way to explore the area.
In addition to being right along the stunning white sand beaches of NSB, Springhill Suites by Marriott has a comprehensive sustainability plan in place. The oceanfront property’s water and energy conservation efforts are one of many ways the property adheres to One Planet Living’s Goals, especially those relating to sustainable water consumption and usage, as well as reducing carbon emissions. Springhill’s future goals include a continued commitment to reducing the ecological footprint through water conservation, reduction in carbon use and waste and the increased use of renewable energy.
Third Wave Cafe strives to not only provide guests with a unique, delicious dining experience, but it aims to do so while reducing impact on the environment. The restaurant’s sustainability plan focuses largely on environmentally friendly food sourcing, with emphasis on sustainably obtaining the various kinds of seafood served to diners. The restaurant also provides educational opportunities for employees and regularly participates in local events and fundraisers for organizations like the Marine Discovery Center.
As our eco-friendly efforts strengthen, our network of One Planet Living partners continues to grow. Many other local businesses within New Smyrna Beach, such as Yaupon Tea, are working to complete accreditation with One Planet Living, furthering the community-wide sustainability efforts that make New Smyrna Beach a leader in the state of Florida and throughout the South. For a deep dive into all of the sustainability practices we have in place here at New Smyrna Beach, check out our Sustainability Guide: https://visitnsbfl.com/sustainable-tourism/one-planet-living.
To start planning your next visit to our lush destination, go to https://www.visitnsbfl.com/.
