Curious about how the Amish handle everyday things like toilets and toilet paper? Let’s take a closer look at their approach to these essentials.
Do the Amish Have Flush Toilets?
Many Amish communities use indoor flush toilets and plumbing. Some communities have flush toilets, but they’re usually located in a smaller building next to the house.
Even if there’s a regular toilet around, you’ll often find an outhouse on the farm. The Amish use it when they’re working outside for convenience.
The more traditional Amish, like the Old Order Amish, often use outhouses, which are a hole in the ground with a seat in a small room.
Keep in mind that Amish rules vary a lot. Different communities have different practices when it comes to indoor plumbing and flush toilets.
Some allow modern indoor plumbing, while others permit plumbing but only outside the home.
In some, running water is okay, but not a modern septic system. Others don’t allow any modern plumbing.
Do the Amish People Use Toilet Paper?
Many Amish people do use toilet paper. They believe in keeping their bodies clean and germ-free. However, more conservative communities may opt for alternatives like crumbled-up pieces of newspapers or catalogs.
Many Amish considered toilet paper a luxury item during and after the Great Depression, prioritizing essentials like food and clothing. Now, with improved finances, toilet paper has become a daily essential item for them.
Legal Fights Over Waste Disposal
The Amish have had many legal fights over waste disposal over the years. The core issue is the Amish use of outhouses and spreading treated waste on farms, which they argue is protected by their religious beliefs.
They argue that these practices, rooted in their religious beliefs, should be protected. Outhouses reflect their commitment to a simple life, and spreading treated waste aligns with their belief in stewardship of the land.
The Amish assert that attempts to regulate these practices infringe on their religious freedom, highlighting the challenge of balancing traditional practices with modern regulations.