Bean tins, buggies and empty bladders

Oily raggers are great at getting more out of less, and making the most of what others throw out. About a quarter of those who live off the smell of an oily rag do so because they can't bear wasting things and money. Here are some of the many ideas readers have sent in.

* G.B. says: "If planting large seeds like beans use the inners of toilet rolls, part-fill with seed mix, put in the seed and top up. You can get about 12 of these to stand up in an icecream container. And in due course, plant out the whole tube. No transplant shock. The cardboard will rot away quickly."
* Old, scungy toothbrush? Don't throw it out, O.R. says: "Use it as a scrubbing brush in those hard-to-get-at places like between ceramic tiles, and taps."
* Get the most out of tubes, says A.V from Wellington. "Get the last drop out by cutting tubes in half when you have finished squeezing out as much as you can. You will be surprised how many more portions you will get. Slip one cut end inside the other until finished. This works really well for cosmetics - I find I get at least another week's use out of moisturisers, and so on."
* Carol from New Plymouth uses plastic wine bladders from empty wine casks. She says they are perfect for keeping food cold when travelling by car. "Fill them with enough water so they lie flat like a brick and freeze them a few days before travelling. Then pack frozen bladders on top of your food in the chilly bin and your food stays cold between destinations."
* Many readers save money on packaging materials. L.O. from Rangiora writes: "An empty used tin of beans can be used as packaging to post things in. It's strong and keeps whatever you are sending safe inside." A Hamilton reader says: "Cut tops off two plastic soft-drink bottles, one slightly larger than the other. Insert the items to be posted inside one of the containers and then push the two containers together to form a cylinder. Then wrap and post."
* D.H. from Howick says: "Hide keys, rings, jewellery etc in an empty baked beans tin and place it up high on a shelf when you go away. Should anyone break in when you're away, valuables will appear to be part of the larder!"
* Dee from Whangarei says: "We bought a near-new baby buggy online for $95, worth $600 new. It goes a treat and we are sure to get our money back when baby has outgrown it." Great point, Dee. The baby doesn't know the difference between new and used (only your critical friends do!). Better still, borrow the gear from friends or family if you can. Many people don't sell their baby gear (they may be between babies), but they may be happy to lend it to you. It's amazing how cheaply you can buy pre-loved quality stuff, and not only online.
* You will also find bargain-hunters searching at garage sales and in thrift stores. There are so many bargains out there to make living off the smell of an oily rag rewarding and fun.
Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips online at www.oilyrag.co.nz.