Tellus: Gear That Gives Back 100%
- Jack Flynn
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
When most brands talk about what they make, Tellus talks about why it matters — for people, the planet, and purpose.
Why Tellus Was Created
Tellus was officially launched in December 2023 by founders Joe and Melissa Basta who were frustrated with expensive outdoor jackets that didn't keep them warm enough, dry enough, or the zippers just didn't seem to be in the right place. With deep roots in the mountains and an intimate understanding of global production, they recognized that the textile industry is one of the top three global polluters. Deciding to bypass the industry-standard 1% corporate give-back model, they established Tellus as a social enterprise that donates 100% of its net profits to environmental initiatives.
Who Tellus's Customers Are
Tellus speaks to people who want more than just technical performance from their apparel — they want meaning behind the clothing they choose.
Tellus's customers are:
Outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate comfortable, highly functional gear made for the mountains.
Conscious consumers who value sustainability, transparency, and the chance to be the true drivers of tangible environmental impact.
Local heroes and community members, including Larimer County Emergency Services and volunteer search and rescue ski teams who trust Tellus gear for their uniforms.
People who want purpose, not just products.
From their popular Trek shorts built for the trail to insulating down jackets, Tellus gear sits at the intersection of performance and intention — ideal for anyone who wants clothing that performs and does good for the Earth.
Why Customers Choose Tellus
Tellus's apparel isn't just fashionable or functional, it's fundamentally different in how and why it's made:
Sustainable, High-Quality Materials: Tellus avoids the "dirty business" of traditional clothing manufacturing. To ensure their gear fits perfectly and performs exceptionally well, every piece is crafted using recycled and organic materials.
Transparent, Ethical Supply Chain: Tellus sources its products from hand-selected, boutique, female-owned, and LEED-certified factories in Vietnam, proving that ethical production can go hand-in-hand with high-performance outdoor wear.
Unmatched Give-Back Model: Tellus partners exclusively with the Nature Conservancy to distribute its funds. At checkout, customers get to choose exactly where their money goes: local reforestation in Colorado, nationwide land and watershed conservation, or international coral reef protection. In just two and a half years, the lean, five-person Tellus team has raised over $70,000 for these causes.
