Dixon launched his Beat range (from £255) – using the Indian technique of hand beating metal – five years ago, inspired by the metal water pots he saw in Jaipur. "You can find Chinese copies in shops in India now," says Dixon. "The indentations are done on a machine. Sort of misses the point."
tomdixon.net Photograph: Observer
Lucy Turner's wooden mid-century furniture is given new life with the help of laser-cut Formica. "I go for iconic pieces with simple lines," says Turner. "You can't get new teak furniture any more, but it's beautiful wood. This is one way to own it."
lucyturner.co Photograph: Observer
Made by Colombian ex-prisoners as part of a rehabilitation project, these brightly coloured chairs were made in a limited edition of 100 for a charity pop-up shop, and sold for ₤200-₤450 each. More, please!
marni-anticamera.com/02 Photograph: Observer
"We're only just catching up on recycling in the west," says Hilary Anderson of Traidcraft. "In Bolivia they've been recycling glass from old bottles for years out of necessity. The results are beautiful, such as an £8 oil and vinegar set. The flaws add something to the end product."
traidcraftshop.co.uk Photograph: Observer
Muji offers shelving made from wood pulp, a waste bin made from recycled phone books in the Philippines and an eco-cotton sofabed among its worthier products. And look out for its rattan storage (baskets from £17.95). Fast-growing rattan is a great antidote to logging.
muji.eu Photograph: Observer
Around half the materials used in a Spink & Edgar mattress come from the local area. This is an old family company producing a luxury item that has taken on contemporary values and improved the end product. The John Lewis Natural Collection Premier Wool Mattress costs £1,150.
spinkandedgar.co.uk Photograph: Observer
