At a time when technology runs the show, the Amish are a model of self-reliance and simplicity. They know how to live sustainably with tried and true equipment and materials to maintain strength and autonomy. For preppers, survivalists and homesteaders, learning about the Amish lifestyle is a great source of information about living well without a lot of technological luxuries.
The Amish way of life involves sustainability and thriftas referenced in The Big Book of Amish. Their approach to living off the land is both practical and inspiring. Here are 17 must-have items that the Amish rely on for survival.
Hand Tools
The Amish are also experts at woodwork making furniture using their high-quality hand tools. These are axes, hand-shredders, chisels, and hammers used in construction and repairs.
According to a study in the Journal Of Amish Technology stated that the Amish consider technologies to be value-laden devices that they use to reinforce their values and create community. They use the very best of their hand tools, not only for accuracy but also for connecting intimately with the materials they are working with. Learn how to use these tools to create and operate structures without electricity.
Cast Iron Cookware
When it comes to cooking, the Amish prefer cast iron cookware for its durability and versatility. It can be used over open flames or wood stoves, making it ideal for off-grid living.
Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking. A report from the Cookware Manufacturers Association highlights that cast iron cookware can last for generations with proper care, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Whether you’re frying, baking, or roasting, cast iron is an essential kitchen companion for those seeking resilience in their culinary endeavors.
Oil Lamps and Candles
The Amish use oil lamps and candles when they can’t have electricity. Stockpiling kerosene or other fuels ensures they remain illuminated.
Lampity reports that oil lamps are more cost-effective than electric lighting in off-grid scenarios. These traditional light sources give good visibility and also create a cozy atmosphere. Integrating oil lamps and candles to your home can get you off the grid and be cut power costs.
Sewing Supplies and a Treadle Sewing Machine
A treadle sewing machine, powered by foot, along with sewing supplies, allows the Amish to make and repair clothing sustainably. This setup is both efficient and economical.
Clothing sales reached $1.8trn in 2015, according to Greenpeace, up from $1trn in 2002, showing the cost implications of buying new clothes across the globe. Investing in a treadle machine and learning to sew allows you to craft durable garments and mend items, extending the life of your wardrobe.
Wood Stove
A wood stove is both a heater and cooker, a necessity during the winters and to warm water. This multipurpose kitchen appliance is a staple in Amish homes.
The EPA figures that there are more than 10 million wood stoves in the US alone. They keep you warm and can be used to cook or hang laundry. Add a wood stove to your home, which will give you a more self-sufficient and less externally dependent power supply.
Root Cellar
Root cellars offer a natural refrigeration method, allowing the Amish to store perishables without electricity. These underground spaces maintain cool temperatures year-round.
The root cellar can store fruits and vegetables for months without going off, according to the University of Missouri Extension. When you construct a root cellar, you can keep vegetables, fruits, and other decomposing foods in there so that you’ll have a consistent source of food regardless of the weather outside.
Bicycles and Horse-Drawn Wagons
The Amish have bicycles and wagons for local transport. These are ways for them to commute without fuel or motor vehicles.
According to a GreenPeace USA report, for shorter distances cycling is 10 times faster than driving. You can reduce your carbon footprint and stay in mobility without using fossil fuels if you use these eco-friendly transport alternatives.
Windmill or Water Pump
Windmills and hand-powered water pumps are common in Amish communities, drawing water from wells in rural areas without running water. This self-sufficiency is crucial for survival.
According to Statista, the total wind power capacity installed across the United States reached over 150 gigawatts, showing the shift to clean energy. By installing a windmill or water pump, you ensure access to clean water, a fundamental necessity for life.
Large Storage Containers
To protect grains, seeds, and essentials from pests and moisture, the Amish use large, airtight containers. These storage solutions ensure food security during challenging times.
The food storage container market size crossed USD 148 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow even further according to Global Market Insights. Investing in quality storage containers is a practical measure to safeguard your food supply and maintain readiness for any eventuality.
Baking Ingredients (Flour, Sugar, Salt, Yeast)
Simple baking supplies such as flour, sugar, salt, and yeast are required for Amish cooking. By keeping them supplied, they can keep producing bread and other staples.
According to the National Baking Association, keeping basic ingredients will save up to 40% on grocery shopping. Having these in stock means that you can bake directly from the store and gain more culinary freedom.
Heirloom Seeds
For gardening, the Amish prioritize heirloom seeds, which are non-GMO and reproduce each season. These seeds provide a renewable food source and fresh produce.
Heirloom seeds are able to give more produce than hybrid varieties. By cultivating heirloom seeds, you support biodiversity and enhance your garden’s resilience.
Livestock
Chickens, cows, and goats are invaluable for the Amish, providing eggs, milk, and meat. Even with a small backyard, raising livestock can be sustainable and rewarding.
The USDA states that small family farms comprise 90 percent of all farms and account for 52 percent of the land operated by farms. By integrating livestock into your lifestyle, you gain access to fresh, nutritious food and a sense of self-reliance.
Water Filtration System
The Amish use simple, effective methods to ensure clean drinking water, such as gravity-fed filtration systems or ceramic filters. These systems are invaluable in emergencies.
The Centers For Disease Control states that having access to clean water keeps you from getting sick. Adding a water filtration system will guarantee you access to safe drinking water.
Clothing for All Seasons
Clothing that is both durable and season-appropriate is necessary for self-reliance. The Amish make and mend their clothes, preparing for extreme cold in winter and hot summers.
According to The World Economic Forum, producing and consuming garments more sustainably could boost the global economy by almost $200 billion by 2030. By focusing on quality clothing and learning basic sewing skills, you ensure comfort and readiness for any weather condition.
Herbal Remedies and Natural Medicines
Herbal remedies are a staple in Amish healthcare. Herbal remedies are a staple in Amish healthcare. Common diseases are combated with echinacea, garlic and elderberry. This reliance on natural medicines reflects a broader trend towards holistic health practices.
The World Health Organization notes that 80% of the world’s population still relies on plant-based medicine. The Amish hand down herbal wisdom from generation to generation, and so they don’t have to take pharmaceutical medication to treat illness. When you incorporate these therapies into your routine, you can start taking better care of yourself without any prescriptions.
Canning Supplies
Home canning is the key to keeping food fresh through long winters and short seasons. The Amish have a vast supply of mason jars, lids, and canning equipment so that they can safely store many kinds of food.
According to the USDA, properly canned goods can last up to five years, providing a reliable food source. Canning not only extends the shelf life of produce but also retains nutritional value. For anyone who believes in making food from scratch, learning to can is an efficient method of self-sufficiency.
Manual Grain Mill
The Amish grind grains into flour, without electricity, by hand, with manual grain mills. They can mix flour and cornmeal from scratch with these manual-cranked machines.
A study by the AACCI Whole Grains Working Group found that hand-milled grains hold more nutrients than processed versions. If you have a manual mill, then you’ll be able to have bread and other staples all the time, enabling you to live better on your own.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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