Manuel Desrochers wanted to do something to counteract the environmental hazard of billions of plastic water bottles filling up global landfills. So the Montreal, Canada-based entrepreneur and his sister, Noemie, created a unique water filter to help wean thirsty consumers off their bottled water obsession.

The 23-pound ceramic egg-shaped apparatus holds 11 liters (2.9 gallons) of water and uses the combination of gravity and a glass filter cartridge to purify ordinary tap water. It's a stylish twist on the 5-gallon plastic water cooler that has been the standard-bearer in homes and offices for years.