Dining halls at the University of Minnesota are going trayless.

Starting this fall, students will have to balance their plates without using a tray.

The university says the move will save water and energy while reducing overconsumption and food waste.

The U tested going trayless on Earth Day last April. By measuring the amount of food wasted that day compared with a normal day, officials estimate the project saved 315 pounds of wasted food, or 1.5 ounces per person.

Maggie Szarkowitz was a marketing intern for University Dining Services during the pilot. She watched the project from breakfast through dinner, and says some liked the idea while others called it dumb.