MISSION

As a Social Enterprise, PEOPLE FOR URBAN PROGRESS (PUP) redefines commercial waste through product development. We invest our time and resources into entrepreneurial and educational opportunities to serve the Indianapolis Metro area for environmental sustainability, quality of life, and economic growth.

VISION

PUP envisions a world where all materials are recognized as valuable resources, where everyone is committed to reducing waste, and where commercial waste is transformed into high-value uses that positively impact the environment.

 We inspire a cultural shift in how the world views waste, focusing on its potential to regenerate rather than deplete. By changing public perception, we foster a culture of sustainability, creativity, and innovation. We empower a resilient community that prioritizes responsible consumption, improves quality of life, and celebrates local artistry.

 We drive corporate action to reduce negative impacts on the environment. PUP helps foster a circular economy by creating systems for the recovery, reuse, and repurposing of commercial waste, ensuring that materials remain in circulation, reducing reliance on virgin resources, preventing landfill gasses, and promoting sustainable growth.

 PUP plays a vital role in stimulating the local economy by creating job opportunities, supporting local families, and reinvesting resources into the community. This generates a ripple effect, building a resilient, equitable economy where individuals and communities thrive. By championing sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives, PUP helps create an environment where economic success is shared, diverse, and inclusive.

 PUP’s vision comes to life through artistic expression and quality, redefining the value of commercial waste. We breathe new life and purpose into used materials, fostering pride in what our community values and consumes. Together, we envision a world where materials, people, and creativity unite in a seamless, sustainable system that enhances the quality of life and empowers communities.

So here's what happened - in the fall of 2008, we knew that the RCA/Hoosier Dome was slated for demolition, as the Indianapolis Colts were moving to their new home at Lucas Oil Stadium. We wondered if there was a plan for the building's iconic white roof. Turns out, there wasn't. So we got to work.

PEOPLE FOR URBAN PROGRESS was founded by two citizens who wanted to create a better urban experience in Indianapolis. We were tired of complaining about our city - it's struggling transit, wasteful construction practices, mediocre design, and under-used public spaces.

WE CREATED PUP TO MAKE THE CHANGE WE WANTED TO SEE IN OUR CITY.

Turned out, that roof was made of pretty cool stuff, so we successfully diverted nearly 13 acres of Teflon-coated fiberglass from a local landfill. We bought a sewing machine, rented a small studio, and started making things. These initial products, wallets, clutches, and messenger bags, became our funding mechanism - helping to raise some dough for our larger urban reuse projects. We kickstarted a social enterprise before we knew what either of those things were. 

WE BELIEVE THAT INNOVATION IS LIMITATION PLUS NECESSITY.

We realized that we were onto something - something that all cities are facing - and started salvaging other resources to create products and projects for the citizens of Indianapolis and beyond. We're working to create the responsible and resilient city of the future.