SSMC is proud to award Peninsula Precious Plastics (PPP) a 2026 Sustainability Award for its visionary approach to circular economy principles, environmental education and community-driven manufacturing. Founded as a local Precious Plastic chapter in 2020 by local high school students determined to combat climate change, PPP has evolved into a nonprofit regional hub that proves plastic waste is not a burden, but a valuable resource.
The Three E’s: a Circular Blueprint
PPP took inspiration and guidance from the global Precious Plastic community. By leveraging the global community’s knowledge, tools and techniques, PPP has been able to address the core of sustainability through localized processing of global pollutants.
- Environment: By repurposing “unrecyclable” items, ranging from biotech deep well plates and prescription pill bottles to ocean debris, PPP directly prevents literally tons of plastic from entering landfills and ecosystems. Their work significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with plastic production.
- Economic Vitality: PPP serves as an incubator for “green-preneurs.” By providing free access to expensive machinery (shredders, injection molders and CNC routers), they support local businesses like Cocoplum Sunglasses and Swellcycle Surfboards, turning waste streams into viable commercial products.
- Social Equity: True to their “open-source” roots, PPP ensures that knowledge and tools are accessible to all. From providing combs to the Service League for hygiene kits to donating hundreds of clipboards to hospitals like Laguna Honda, the output serves those who need it most.
Key Accomplishments and Artistic Leadership
Under the leadership of CEO Nicholas Schick, one of the original student founders, PPP has bridged the gap between industrial recycling and STEAM education.
- Educational Outreach: They have trained students at 12 Bay Area schools and mentored students at universities including Stanford, UC Berkeley and UCLA. Their “Meet & Melt” events have become a community staple, fostering a hands-on connection to sustainability.
- Notable Collaborations: From creating a 900-scale fish sculpture with Stanford designers to partnering with the California Academy of Sciences for their NightLife programs, PPP demonstrates that recycled plastic can not just be functional but high art.
- Tangible Results: Their impact is quantifiable and impressive. To date, they have produced:
- 1,000+ Keychain fobs and magnets
- 500 Clipboards for hospitals and schools
- 300 lbs of shredded plastic for “Liquid Forest” art installations
- Hundreds of flowerpots, combs, picture frames and pieces of furniture.
Systemic Change and Global Vision
What started with a group of local high school students has sparked a movement. PPP’s success was featured in Make Magazine, inspiring high schools across the country to replicate their model. By sharing open-source designs and hosting international groups from Kenya, Malawi, Switzerland and Czech Republic, PPP is building a global network of “precious plastic” artisans.
With deep community support and a tireless volunteer spirit, Nick Schick and the PPP team are not just recycling; they are reshaping our relationship with the planet, one melt at a time.
See PPP in action in their award video!
Learn about our other 2026 Sustainability Award winners and get highlights from the 27th Annual Sustainability Awards Celebration.
