What if your jacket could do more than keep you warm? At Tellus, every piece of gear is designed to give back. Founded by Joe and Melissa Basta—two Peace Corps alums with deep Colorado roots—Tellus operates on a radical model: 100% of profits go toward protecting the planet.
That means after paying their team and covering operational costs, everything left supports global and local initiatives like coral reef restoration, reforestation, and watershed protection. “Everyone on our team is paid, except for us,” explains Joe. “Tellus is a passion project, and from day one, we made the decision not to take a salary. Our goal has always been to donate as much of our profits as possible to environmental initiatives through our GiveBack100 pledge.”
After just one year, Tellus donated $46,000 to The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado chapter, choosing that nonprofit, as Melissa explains, “because of their science-based approach and extensive programming.” But that’s not all. They also host regular fundraisers at the flagship store in Fort Collins supporting local organizations like the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, and Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol, and have an upcoming collaboration line with Colorado State University.
Each product in Tellus’ inventory is made using recycled or bluesign-approved materials, including Seawool (made from crushed oyster shells and plastic bottles). Items are named for Colorado landmarks—think the Poudre Trail Performance Tank and Timberline Soft Shell Jacket. Even better, shoppers can choose which mission their purchase supports, from climate-resilient reefs to healthy Colorado forests. “We want our customers to not only believe in what Tellus stands for, but also have a voice in where their individual purchase makes an impact,” Melissa emphasized. “Giving them the power to choose their cause makes the experience more personal and strengthens the connection between their values and their actions.”
At Tellus, adventure isn’t just about summits and switchbacks—it’s about purpose. The brand takes its name from Tellus Mater, the ancient Roman goddess of the Earth, as a reminder that every piece of gear can honor—and help protect—our one and only home.
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