The weak economy has forced many people to come up with creative ways to save money...That's no exception for Martin Luther College.

Students at Martin Luther College are use to juggling many things at once...And now they'll have to add one more thing to that list... their lunch.

Jake Gawl says, "It's hard to carry four cups of water when you already have a plate in hand, doesn't work... need a tray.  While it may be an inconvenience for some students, tossing the trays aside is the latest money saving initiative for the school.

Brian Messer says, "It has a trickle down effect.  I don't have to use as much water, we don't have to heat the water, we don't have to treat the water, we don't have to soften the water, it's better for the environment."

Alex Jerry says, "I think it'll save us a lot of money and let us put our money else where it needs to be."

This act of going green has the potential to save the college up to $50,000 a year, but there's another benefit.  Because the cafeteria is an all you can eat buffet, not having a tray could mean students will waste less food.

Sarah Sauer says, "It's a great idea because I know I personally I eat less food and I'm wasting a lot less food."

For or against the idea... students thinking no trays is just a trend...well they're probably out of luck.Messer says, " I don't think it's a fad, I don't think it's going to go away, I think this may blossom into something else and give other ideas for something that we can save money on in the future."

A future in which balancing the four food groups will take on a whole new meaning.

- Jennifer Hudspeth News 12.