We've found a water filtration pitcher we think is better than the mass-market Brita pitcher. It's from the German company Mavea, a company that's devoted exclusively to water filtration in consumer and commeciial applications. Mavea's Elemaris pitchers combine convenience, performance, style, and an environmental focus in a way that makes them superior.

Elemaris pitchers feature a pressure-activated lid in the top that makes filling the pitchers so much easier than many on the market. The lid retracts with the slightest water pressure, then swings back in place automatically when the water flow stops. It's really well-designed and engineered. A three function display screen built into the lid, the Smart Meter, monitors the volume of filtered water, the length of time the filter has been in use, and the hardness of the water. This convenient display is a whole lot better than trying to remember when you need to change the filter or writing a date down on a calendar. The handle on the Elemaris pitchers uses soft, rubberized material for comfort and a secure grip, even when your hands are wet, and the bottom the pitchers sport a similar finish, so the pitcher won't slip around or sweat condensation on your counter. The sleek, attractive design of the pitchers offers more than aesthetic advantages; Elemaris pitchers are made so they fit in the door of your refrigerator.

Then there's the filter, the heart of the Mavea advantage. Mavea water filter cartridges are certified by the international Water Quality Association to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 to significantly minimize chlorine taste and odor, as well as reduce water contaminants, such as heavy metals, agricultural chemicals, and industrial pollutants. Mavea filtered water tastes fresh and clean, as water should. The filter media is treated with silver to discourage the growth of bacteria and maximize the filter's life and a micro-screen in the filter reduces the release of the black carbon particles you'll often find in your water in other filter pitchers. In addition, no presoaking is required to activate the filter, which offers consistent flow and filtration throughout its 40-gallon lifespan.

Of course, using any water filter pitcher is environmentally-positive action. Americans send an estimated 38 billion water bottles to landfills each year. In comparison, each Mavea water filter equals approximately 300 bottles of water, without the associated waste. But, here's where Mavea is different. Mavea is the only water filter company that offers a comprehensive filter recycling program. When your Mavea filters have reached the end of their lifespan, you can them back to Mavea, at Mavea's expense, for recycling. The company recycles the used filters at its facility, where the filter components are separated, cleaned, and reused in commercial non-food filter applications. You can be sure absolutely no parts of your Mavea filters will end up in a landfill.