The best non-plastic containers for freezing food are tempered glass, stainless steel, and platinum silicone bags. They do not leach chemicals, will not stain or hold odors, and are completely reusable.
The safest materials to freeze food in are glass, food-grade silicone, and stainless steel. These options are non-toxic, free of harmful chemicals (like BPA, phthalates, and microplastics), and do not leach into food during the freezing or thawing process.
Non-plastic freezer containers are safe, durable, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic. The most practical options include borosilicate glass jars (for liquids/soups), stainless steel containers (ideal for meats and dry goods), and platinum silicone bags.
Freezing food without plastic is simple and helps prevent freezer burn. The most effective methods use tempered glass jars, silicone freezer bags, stainless steel containers, or natural wrapping like butcher paper.
Stainless steel containers are unbreakable and very suitable for meat and large portions. Only fill jars ¾ full with liquid and don't seal them shut with the lid until the contents are frozen. Ice cube trays are perfect for small portions. Wax wraps can be used as an alternative to plastic freezer bags.
For the best plastic-free freezing, choose tempered borosilicate glass or high-quality food-grade silicone. Tempered glass won't shatter during temperature shifts and is safe for microwave-to-freezer meals, while silicone bags provide flexible, space-saving storage perfect for pre-proportioned soups, sauces, and solid foods.
--- 2️⃣ Canning in Glass Jars In summer and fall, Amish families can food in glass jars: Vegetables (beans, corn, tomatoes) Fruits (peaches, apples, berries) Soups and stews They boil the jars to kill bacteria and seal them airtight. Once sealed, the food can last 1 to 3 years on shelves.
The Amish keep food cold using a variety of off-grid methods, tailored to the strictness of their local church district. Common practices include:
Yes, according to class-action lawsuits and consumer advocacy groups, Ziploc bags can release microplastics when frozen.
The best container to freeze meat is a heavy-duty vacuum-sealed bag. It removes all air to prevent freezer burn and shrinks tightly around the meat to save space. For reusable and stacking options, high-quality silicone freezer bags or tempered glass storage containers are excellent alternatives.
The healthiest containers for storing food are glass, stainless steel, and ceramic. These materials are inert, meaning they won't leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or PFAS into your meals—even when exposed to heat.
Putting a penny (or any coin) in the freezer is an easy trick used to check if your freezer lost power while you were away, and whether your frozen food is still safe to eat.
10 Zero-waste plastic bag alternatives
For the best results, use materials that resist freezer burn, prevent odor transfer, and handle expansion. The most effective options depend on what you are storing:
The best Ziploc alternatives for the freezer are reusable silicone bags (like Stasher) or PEVA bags (like (re)zip) for a flexible, space-saving option. For rigid, zero-plastic, and odor-proof storage, use tempered glass containers with snap-locking lids.
Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are generally considered safe. They are explicitly certified 100% BPA-free and crafted from food-safe materials. Whether you choose the plastic (Tritan) or glass versions, they are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
The healthiest way to freeze food is to use non-toxic, airtight containers like glass, stainless steel, or high-quality silicone to prevent freezer burn and chemical leaching. Cool food completely before freezing, pack it tightly to remove air, and use glass Mason jars for liquids to ensure a safe, sustainable, and nutrient-dense way to preserve meals.
Whether they are marketed for the freezer or general storage, all bags are made from the same material: polyethylene. The thickness of the polyethylene film is what differentiates a freezer bag from a regular zipper lock bag. In general, the thicker the bag, the less likely it is to allow moisture and odors in or out.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Amish wedding nights prioritize community, tradition, and practicality over the modern idea of a private honeymoon. On their wedding night, the bride and groom typically return to the bride’s parents' home, where the newlyweds must wake up early the next morning to help clean the house after the large celebration.
Refrigeration without electricity
Ice houses on lakes and rivers were effective ways to keep food cool before the invention of electricity. If ice or snow wasn't an option, underwater or underground storage, like cold cellars, provided refrigeration.
Yes, Amish people bathe regularly, though the frequency and methods vary significantly depending on the season, how physically active they are, and the strictness of their specific church district.
Health experts generally agree that processed meats are the unhealthiest meats to eat. This category includes any meat preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or using chemical preservatives like nitrates.
You can survive on a combination of potatoes and whole milk. Together, they contain almost every essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral the human body needs to function.