When it comes to prepping and long-term food storage, organization and space-saving aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. One of the most efficient, professional-looking, and prepper-approved methods of storing dry foods is to vacuum pack them into brick shapes using a chamber vacuum sealer and a box mold.

In this post, we’ll show you how to turn your bulk foods into airtight, stackable bricks that save space, deter pests, and extend shelf life—perfect for bug-out locations, prepper pantries, or off-grid storage bunkers.

What You’ll Need

• Chamber Vacuum Sealer – essential for evenly vacuuming without sucking powders or fine debris into the seal.

• Box Mold – a rigid mold with flat sides to form a compact, rectangular shape.

• Vacuum Seal Bags – smooth-sided chamber sealer bags (cut to size if needed).

• Dry Foods – rice, beans, lentils, oats, pasta, flour, dehydrated items, coffee, etc.

Step-by-Step: Vacuum Packing Foods into Brick Shape

1. Line the Mold with the Bag

Insert your vacuum bag into the box mold, folding the top edges over the sides to keep the bag open. Push the bottom of the bag into the corners for clean lines.

2. Fill the Bag with Dry Food

Pour your chosen dry food (e.g., rice, beans, oats) into the bag while it sits in the mold. Fill about 3/4 full to leave room for sealing.

3. Compress the Food

Gently press the food down using your hand, a pressing board, or a flat surface. This helps form a solid, dense brick.

4. Fold the Top and Transfer to Sealer

Fold the top of the bag neatly and carefully remove it from the mold while maintaining its shape. Place it into the chamber vacuum sealer, making sure the seal end is positioned correctly.

5. Vacuum & Seal

Run your chamber sealer. The air will be drawn out uniformly, forming a tight, professional brick shape. Seal the bag once the form is set. Adjust vacuum time for density as needed.

6. Cool, Label, and Store

Allow your bricks to cool flat. Label each with the food type and date. Stack them upright or flat—either way, you’re saving major shelf space.

What Foods Work Best?

This method is ideal for:

• Dry Beans (black, pinto, navy)

• White or Brown Rice

• Lentils, Split Peas

• Rolled Oats & Instant Oats

• Pasta (elbow, shells, spaghetti)

• Flour, Cornmeal, and Powdered Milk (use extra care or freeze first)

• Dehydrated Vegetables

• Freeze-Dried Meals

• Coffee or Tea

Avoid fresh, high-moisture items unless they’re frozen.

Why Vacuum-Sealed Bricks Are a Game-Changer

Saves Storage Space – Neat bricks stack like books on a shelf
Prevents Pests – No oxygen = no bugs
Extends Shelf Life – Less air, less spoilage
Professional Look – Great for barter, sale, or gifting
Tactical & Practical – Load-out ready, easy to organize by type or date
Less Waste – Airtight seals protect from moisture and rodents

Pro Tip: Add Oxygen Absorbers

For foods with long shelf lives, toss in an oxygen absorber before sealing. It’s optional with vacuum sealing, but adds another layer of preservation.

In a world where efficiency matters—and survival might depend on how prepared you are—vacuum sealing your dry foods into brick shapes is a next-level prepper hack. It’s smart, space-saving, and ready for anything.

Stay prepared. Stay organized.
– The Preppers Voice

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As preppers, we’re always looking for ways to maximize resources, minimize waste, and make the most of what we have. One often-overlooked resource that can benefit your garden is the water from washing rice. It’s a simple, sustainable solution to boost your plants’ growth while reducing the waste that would otherwise go down the drain. In this post, we’ll dive into how you can use rice washing water as an effective, eco-friendly fertilizer in your garden.

What is Rice Washing Water?

When you wash rice before cooking, you typically rinse it to remove excess starch, dust, and impurities. This water can appear cloudy due to the starch that leaches out from the rice. Instead of tossing that water, consider using it to water your plants. It’s packed with nutrients, primarily in the form of starch, amino acids, minerals, and small amounts of vitamins. These components are beneficial to plants in various ways.

Why is Rice Washing Water Good for Plants?

Rice washing water is surprisingly rich in nutrients that can help your plants thrive. Here’s why:

1. Starch: The rice water contains soluble starch, which acts as a natural energy source for plants. It can promote root development and help seedlings grow stronger by providing them with an immediate energy boost.

2. Amino Acids: Rice washing water also contains amino acids, which are building blocks for proteins. These are crucial for plant growth, repair, and overall health.

3. Minerals: This water contains minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy plant growth and flower development.

4. pH Balance: The slightly acidic nature of rice washing water can help to balance the soil’s pH, which is beneficial for many types of plants.

5. Microorganisms: The water can also contain beneficial microorganisms, which contribute to soil health and encourage a thriving, natural ecosystem around your plants.

How to Use Rice Washing Water as Fertilizer

Using rice washing water as fertilizer is simple and can easily be integrated into your gardening routine. Here are a few ways you can use it:

1. Watering Established Plants: Use rice washing water to water your plants in the same way you would use regular tap water. Simply pour the water around the base of the plants, taking care not to over-saturate the soil. You can use it once a week or whenever you wash rice.

2. Seedling Boost: For young plants and seedlings, rice washing water can serve as a growth stimulant. You can use it to water newly planted seeds or young transplants to promote stronger root systems and healthier growth.

3. Composting: If you compost, you can add rice washing water directly to your compost pile. The water helps to moisten the compost and adds valuable nutrients that will break down into rich, fertile soil for your garden.

4. Foliar Spray (Optional): Some gardeners recommend using rice washing water as a foliar spray, meaning you spray it directly on plant leaves. To do this, dilute the rice water with plain water (about 50% dilution) and use a spray bottle to mist the leaves. This can provide a quick nutrient boost to your plants, especially during their growing season.

How to Make the Most of Rice Washing Water

To get the best results, here are some additional tips on how to use rice washing water effectively:

1. Don’t Overuse: While rice washing water is great for your plants, it’s important not to overdo it. Using too much can lead to waterlogged soil or excessive starch buildup, which may create problems like mold growth or root rot.

2. Use Fresh Rice Washing Water: If possible, try to use fresh rice washing water. The longer it sits, the more likely it is to develop an unpleasant smell or ferment, which can attract unwanted pests.

3. Strain It: If you want to avoid clumps of rice or debris in your water, strain it before using it on your plants. This will help prevent clogging up any watering cans or sprayers.

4. Use It Within a Day: Rice washing water is best used within 24 hours to avoid bacterial growth. If it sits for too long, it can begin to smell sour or attract pests.

5. Mix with Other Organic Fertilizers: For a boost in nutrients, you can combine rice washing water with other organic fertilizers like fish emulsion, compost tea, or banana peel water (rich in potassium). This will create a more well-rounded nutrient mix for your plants.

What Plants Benefit the Most from Rice Washing Water?

Rice washing water can be used for a wide range of plants, but certain crops may benefit even more from its nutrients:

• Leafy Greens: Plants like spinach, kale, and lettuce love the additional nitrogen and amino acids found in rice washing water. It will help them grow lush and green.

• Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and radishes will benefit from the extra starch, as it can encourage healthier root growth.

• Fruit-Bearing Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers can thrive with the added minerals, especially phosphorus and potassium, which are crucial for flower and fruit development.

• Herbs: Basil, mint, and parsley will thrive with a little rice washing water, as the minerals in the water help boost overall growth.

Is Rice Washing Water Safe for All Plants?

Most plants will benefit from rice washing water, but some sensitive plants might react poorly if the water is too starchy or acidic. Always do a quick test run by watering a small section of your garden or a single plant before applying it to everything.

Avoid using rice washing water on plants that are already overwatered or in poor-draining soil, as the additional moisture may harm them.

Final Thoughts: Why Rice Washing Water is a Game-Changer for Preppers

In the prepper world, sustainability is key. Rice washing water is a free, easy-to-make, and effective way to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. It’s a perfect example of upcycling everyday kitchen waste into something valuable. By reusing this simple resource, you not only reduce waste but also promote stronger, healthier plants, contributing to a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

So, next time you wash rice, don’t throw that nutrient-packed water away. Instead, use it to help grow the food that will keep you and your family nourished—making your prepping efforts that much more sustainable.

Roll-Away Chicken Nesting Boxes – Prevent Egg Eating & Ensure Fresh Eggs

Our Roll-Away Chicken Nesting Boxes are the perfect solution for keeping your hens happy and your eggs safe! Designed with a unique roll-away feature, these nesting boxes ensure that eggs are automatically rolled away from the hens once laid, preventing them from accidentally (or intentionally) eating their own eggs. This not only promotes better hygiene but also helps maintain the quality of your eggs by keeping them clean and protected.

Key Features:

• Egg Roll-Away Mechanism: As soon as your hen lays an egg, it rolls away to a hidden compartment, keeping it safe from pecking or breaking.

• Prevents Egg Eating: The roll-away system makes it impossible for hens to access their eggs, reducing the risk of egg-eating behavior and improving flock health.

• Easy to Clean: Constructed from durable, easy-to-clean materials, these nesting boxes make egg collection quick and hassle-free.

• Comfortable for Hens: The design ensures your chickens have a cozy and secure place to lay their eggs, encouraging consistent egg production.

• Space-Saving Design: Compact yet efficient, these boxes are ideal for backyard chicken coops, offering a practical solution for both small and larger flocks.

Keep your eggs safe, clean, and secure with our Roll-Away Chicken Nesting Boxes. Say goodbye to egg-eating habits and hello to fresh, unblemished eggs every day!

Great for a quick fix. I just wanted to share something I learned.

CDC-INFO On Demand – Publications Just search for “CDC-INFO On Demand – Publications” on any search engine.

A while back I got some 120 amp battery quick disconnects from amazon http://amzn.to/2pGCn08 I wanted a why to easily charge my Workshop/ Raspberry Pi security systems battery. This also allows me to have a 120 amp 12v power connections for other things/projects. I plan putting in a battery selector at a later date so I can use this to power the inverter from more batters. But motley I just wanted to put the plug in.

Note: If the truck is not running the bigger battery will try and charge the weaker/ smaller battery’s.

This is just a test to see if enough CO2 comes out to attract them, I was planning on wine making anyway. When I make the wine I will use wine making yeast and black berry’s or raspberry’s. I would not even try to drink this, Who knows what the contamination will do to it. The cap is PETG plastic (Food Grade)

If I can kill 2 birds with one stone that is a win win.

DIY Ranger bands: It’s just to expensive to buy pre made ones, and so easy to make custom sizes for your application.

I am keeping this on hand as a backup.

Woops I guess it was the CDC.
A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry & Travel Use
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/drinking/Backcountry_Water_Treatment.pdf

The temperature listings http://www.polarpurewater.com/instructions/

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I wanted a sharp powder coated Stainless Steel Blade that I would not lose sleep over if I lost it.

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