Stacy Savage
Stacy Savage is the Founder and CEO of Zero Waste Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm that conducts in-depth waste audits, provides employee training, develops green marketing strategies, and supports businesses pursuing zero waste and TRUE certification. Raised in southeast Texas by parents who spent decades in the oil and gas industry, Stacy witnessed firsthand the environmental and social impacts of industrial operations, which shaped her lifelong commitment to sustainability.
She credits her determination, intuition, grassroots organizing experience, persuasive communication skills (her “gift of gab”), and willingness to take the risk of starting her own company as key drivers of her success. With more than 22 years of experience in environmental advocacy, zero-waste policy development and small business ownership, Stacy specializes in hands-on solutions, including analyzing waste streams, data analytics reporting for process improvements, employee education & empowerment, green marketing strategies, and zero waste facility certification.
Early in her career, she organized door-to-door grassroots campaigns across Texas, helping pass 2 key pieces of statewide legislation for free electronics recycling and several City of Austin recycling ordinances through coalition work with manufacturers, policymakers, and local stakeholders. She emphasizes corporate and governmental responsibility, helping businesses prevent the externalization of pollution onto communities while advancing profitability and employee engagement.
In 2009, Stacy co-founded the Austin Zero Waste Alliance, an all-volunteer government watchdog nonprofit group, and also served on the City of Austin Zero Waste Advisory Commission from 2015-2017 as a Council appointee.
In 2013, Stacy founded Zero Waste Strategies to connect policy, industry, and practical services for businesses seeking to implement sustainable operations. Her clients include Dell, AT&T, Apple, Nestlé Purina, AbbVie, Kohler Co., Boston University, and the City of Austin. She is a certified TRUE Advisor for Zero Waste Facilities, an elected board member of the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR), and a mentor for the Austin Young Chamber.
Outside of her professional work, Stacy enjoys camping with her family, spending quality time with her loved ones, and caring for her cat. She is also the author of "Zero Waste and Your Family: Your Guide to Green Living for Cost-Saving Results" and is frequently featured on podcasts and in media outlets such as Forbes, CNBC, The Weather Channel, and Martha Stewart Living for her expertise in sustainability and circular economy solutions.
• Video Editing
• TRUE Advisor for Zero Waste
• Qualified Processor Evaluator for C & D Waste Diversion
• Zero Waste Business Professional
• Platinum Member of the Austin Green Business Leaders Program
• TRUE certification (Total Resource Use and Efficiency)
• Woman-owned business
• LGBTQIA
• The University of Texas at Arlington - BS, Biology & Political Science
• Outstanding Leadership
• Texas Zero Waste Strategies is a proud Platinum Member of the Austin Green Business Leaders Program
• State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR)
• Austin Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC)
• Shades of Green, KOOP Radio 91.7 FM
• Central Texas Zero Waste Alliance (CTZWA)
• Austin Zero Waste Alliance (AZWA)
• Tahitian Village Property Owners Association
• Food Rescue & Economic Development Task Force
What do you attribute your success to?
She credits her determination and intuition, her grassroots organizing background, and persuasive communication skills (her "gift of gab"), along with a willingness to take the risk of starting her own company.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Her husband encouraged her to leave secure employment and build the business together—an impetus to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Enroll in my 12-week online course called "Consulting for Women in Waste"!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include entrenched industry practices that externalize pollution, inadequate municipal composting infrastructure, and the prevalence of single‑use plastics. Opportunities include source‑reduction policies, expanded food‑waste composting, producer‑responsibility legislation, and increasing national and international demand for zero‑waste expertise.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Stacy emphasizes corporate and government accountability, protecting communities from pollution, practical environmental stewardship (including food rescue), and direct engagement in civic causes.