Helpful hints from the thrifty '30s

We can stop rolling our eyes now -- or inspire a whole other generation to wonder at this obsession with frugality with tips from the first Great Depression.

By KIM ODE, Star Tribune

Last update: January 23, 2009 - 7:19 PM

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The Great Depression is catching up with us, and with it, the advice rendered by earlier generations to spendthrift descendents, admonishing them to "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

Today, we're being urged to clip coupons and make our own travel wipes from paper towels, vodka, lemon juice and water. Some naysayers even suggest learning how to cook and eating at home more often. Does that grant us some credibility with those who scrimped and saved through the 1930s?

We combed through various sources at the Minnesota Historical Society, the library and the Internet to find whether some helpful tips from the past could put current conditions in perspective -- or whether they'd provide some helpful hints for the future. Check them out:

• Save butter wrappers and use them to grease pans.

• Reuse your tea bag to make a second cup.

• Save the crumbs from a cake and sprinkle them on pies before baking for an extra bit of flavor.

• Extend ground beef by adding some oatmeal.

• Plant a vegetable garden.

• Save junk mail and other paper that's printed on one side to use for scratch pads.

• Saltwater makes a good mouthwash.

• Save barely dirtied paper napkins and use them for wiping out messy pans or cleaning up spills.

• Add half again as much new coffee to previously used grounds and brew as usual.

• When bedsheets are worn thin in the middle but still good on the edges, cut them in half lengthwise, then stitch the "good" sides together and replace on the bed.

• Swap and barter with neighbors for skills and goods.

• Unravel an old sweater and use the yarn to knit new scarves and mittens.

• Half an eggshell of water can substitute for a second egg in many recipes.

• Save cereal box liners to use as storage bags (that's where you can keep those discarded paper napkins).

• Save bacon drippings and use them to add flavor when frying other foods.

• Vinegar diluted in water is a good stain remover.

• You can use less sugar in many recipes and they'll still turn out.

• Extend a pound of butter by softening it and whipping it with one can of evaporated milk.

• Always lend a helping hand.

Kim Ode • 612-673-7185