Tree design: In Derbyshire, England, furniture isn’t built: it’s cultivated slowly and deliberately over the seasons. At Full Grown, young trees are gently trained around custom frames, growing directly into the shapes of chairs, lamps, and more. This small company, inspired by ancient techniques and a chance encounter with driftwood, imagines a new kind of craftsmanship, one shaped by nature rather than machines. Native trees like ash, willow, and hazel are used for their flexibility and resilience. Instead of cut and assembled wood, the process lets each tree become its own unique design. The finished pieces carry the marks of time, intention, and care, blending art, ecology, and a little bit of magic.
Clay coolers: Across India, a quiet, ancient solution is helping people fight rising heat without electricity. From simple earthen pots to handmade refrigerators, clay-based tools use evaporation to lower temperatures and preserve food. These porous vessels work by slowly releasing moisture, which cools the surrounding air and water as it evaporates. Unlike fans or air conditioners, they cost little and don’t stop working during power outages. Some models, like clay fridges, can chill fruits and vegetables for days using only water. Built from local materials and long-standing traditions, they offer comfort when other options are out of reach. For many, these humble inventions are a lifeline as temperatures continue to soar.
