Tellus Mater Means Mother Earth
Earth Month is our annual reminder that Tellus Mater means Mother Earth and that Adventure with Purpose shows up in the choices we make, the materials we use and the impact we support together. To kick off Earth Month, we’re sharing the meaning behind our name and the mission it represents.
Derived from Tellus Mater, Latin for “Mother Earth,” our name reflects a belief that everything we do begins and ends with the planet we call home. “Tellus Mater” embodies a commitment to protect, restore and respect the natural world and guides every decision we make.
We started Tellus with a simple but urgent question: can an outdoor brand do more than minimize harm, can it actively give back? The answer became our mission. Born in Colorado and shaped by a deep connection to wild places, Tellus exists to prove that business can be a force for regeneration, not just consumption.
From day one, we built Tellus as a social enterprise to provide the outdoor industry with responsibly-made outdoor wear and to create impact. That’s why we commit to giving 100% of our net profits back to environmental conservation and restoration through our GiveBack100 pledge. Every purchase becomes part of something bigger: restoring forests, protecting waters and preserving the places we all love to explore.
Our impact starts with the product itself. We design gear the way we believe it should be made. Intention, responsibility and durability at the core of our product design and manufacturing. That means we use recycled and organic materials, partner with certified mills that reduce harmful chemicals and choose fabrics that turn waste into performance-driven gear. From outerwear to travel bags, every detail is considered through the lens of “lighter on the planet, built for adventure.”
We don’t believe the world needs more stuff. It needs better. Better materials. Better design. Better business models. That philosophy drives us to create products that last longer, perform better and leave a smaller footprint.
So why does Tellus exist?
Because the outdoor industry depends on the very environments it often exploits. Because less than a fraction of global giving goes toward protecting our planet. And because we believe there’s a better way forward. One where every adventure contributes to something greater.
Tellus exists to put planet over profit. We’re committed to moving the outdoor industry toward something better. The places we love deserve more than just appreciation. They deserve action from all of us.
FAQ
What does “Tellus” mean? “Tellus” comes from Tellus Mater, the Latin name for Mother Earth. It reflects our belief that we must give back to the planet that gives us so much. Everything we do is rooted in protecting and restoring the natural world.
What makes Tellus different from other outdoor brands? Tellus is a social enterprise committed to giving 100% of net profits to conservation and restoration initiatives. Instead of focusing solely on reducing harm, we aim to create a positive impact. Every purchase helps protect the places you love to explore.
How does Tellus design its products sustainably? We design with intention from the ground up. We use recycled and organic materials, prioritize durability and partner with responsible manufacturers. Our goal is to create high-performance gear that lasts longer and reduces environmental impact.
What is a Social Enterprise?
Wear Better: Why Seawool Matters