Gretchen Helpenstell has worked with the Center since 2019, beginning as an intern on the report, From Waste Management to Clean Materials. She pursued a master's degree in Environmental Studies at The Evergreen State College in hope of switching careers from graphic design to environmental consulting and policy work. 

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For her master's thesis, Gretchen conducted an exploratory case study on decision-making in King County regarding landfill alternatives, titled To Want or To Waste.