And speaking of water pitchers, Design Within Reach has a beautiful glass pitcher that filters water with Japanese Iouseki stones and high-grade Binchotan charcoal – also from Japan – that lasts up to six months. Attractive enough for fridge and table.

Using Iouseki stones and Binchotan charcoal, the Charcoal Water Pitcher creates filtered, mineral-rich water. The stones come from the mountains in Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast. The charcoal is specially prepared for potable water use, and also works as a deodorizer to create odor-free water. In place of filters that need monthly replacement and add to landfill, Iouseki stones and Binchotan charcoal last up to six months (depending on use).