About Tellus Outdoor
"Adventure with Purpose"
Former Peace Corps volunteers turned entrepreneurs, Joe and Melissa epitomize the meaning,"Adventure with Purpose.” Tellus is a combination of their passion for adventure and their commitment to positively impacting our community and our planet.
"We believe that every adventure is an opportunity to make a difference and are dedicated to creating eco-friendly outdoor wear that not only shields against the elements but also safeguards the landscapes, waters and terrain we all cherish.”
- Joe and Melissa, Tellus Co-Founders
About Tellus Outdoor Inspiration
Tellus is built around the goal of creating environmentally conscious, ethical outdoor wear that challenges the historically problematic clothing industry. We are inspired to develop our active outdoor wear products to simultaneously be kinder to the planet and to actively help regenerate it. We are an innovative outdoor apparel company with a powerful mission — to lead the outdoor apparel industry as the foremost champion of sustainability.
Tellus products are designed to excel in the great outdoors, keep you comfortable, and what truly sets Tellus apart, is our investment in fabrics, materials and manufacturing processes that prioritize sustainability.
About Tellus Outdoor Products
Nearly all Tellus products incorporate at least 75% recycled material, with select items crafted from 100% recycled material. The majority of Tellus-manufactured apparel is made in bluesign® certified mills which ensure the safety of our workers and products from harmful chemicals. Additionally, Tellus outerwear products feature a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment free of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), promoting a cleaner environment.
With a steadfast pledge to make products using recycled and organic materials we seek to lead the outdoor apparel industry as the foremost champion of sustainability. And, we put the planet over profits. Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. We’re rethinking how clothing is made for a better planet, stronger communities and a brighter future. We make this happen by producing high-quality products using recycled, sustainable and organic materials and giving back 100% of net profits to environmental initiatives that combat climate change.
About Tellus Outdoor Founders
Drawing inspiration from a lifetime of defining experiences, Joe and Melissa are the driving force behind Tellus. Joe brings a 30-year legacy of backpacking adventures. Along with a close-knit group of friends, Joe has explored the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia and the Dolomites and conquered the rugged terrain of the Rawahs and the Rocky Mountains. Joe's deep connection with the great outdoors fuels his passion for Tellus.
In contrast, Melissa’s background comes from her early career at a Chicago public affairs firm. There she worked on projects that involved advocacy work on diverse issues, from supporting arts in education to promoting organ donor awareness and advocating for sensible gun laws. Her work in Chicago shaped her purpose-driven career and her focus on community betterment, both defining elements of Tellus.
Joe and Melissa met in the ‘90s when they crossed paths during their service in the Peace Corps.
Although they volunteered in different countries, this unique experience solidified in each of them a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place. With his twenty-year career in the spice and extract business, Joe has a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of supply chains. Melissa, a communications professional dedicated to community issues and development work, brings a keen sense of advocacy and storytelling to their shared vision. Their strong sense of community, belief in good business practices, and love for the outdoors have guided their personal and professional choices. These beliefs combined with their diverse backgrounds led them to embark on this new social enterprise — Tellus – Adventure with Purpose.