Meet Joe and Melissa Basta | Co-founders, Tellus

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe and Melissa Basta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe and Melissa, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
There is a big difference between recycled and sustainable textiles and why they matter. Recycled and sustainable textiles are materials and fabrics produced using environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. Recycled textiles are made from pre-existing materials, such as discarded clothing or plastic bottles, which are processed and transformed into new textile products.

Sustainable textiles are derived from renewable resources or cultivated using methods that minimize environmental impact.

Recycled fibers are the gold standard. It takes far less waste to produce products made from recycled materials than virgin materials, meaning less landfill waste, less energy consumption and less environmental impact.

When creating Tellus, we sought to make products that minimize our environmental impact. That’s why 100% of our products are made using recycled materials, 100% of the down used in Tellus products is recycled and certified to the Responsible Down Standard, and 100% of Tellus outerwear products use a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment free of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tellus is an innovative outdoor apparel company with a powerful mission — to lead the outdoor apparel industry as the foremost champion of sustainability. Tellus commits to making products using recycled and organic materials with a ‘GiveBack100′ pledge; Tellus’ promise to reinvest 100% of net profits towards vital environmental initiatives. Founded and designed in Fort Collins, CO, with a flagship store in downtown Fort Collins and an online store at Tellusoutdoor.com, its product assortment includes 35 meticulously designed outdoor and activewear pieces for men and women. One hundred percent of its products contain recycled materials, and most fabrics are bluesign® certified using PFC-free treatment fabrics. Tellus apparel isn’t just kinder to the planet — it actively helps regenerate it.

Tellus founders Joe & Melissa are no strangers to adventure. They met in the Peace Corps in the 90s, and though they each volunteered in different countries, this shared experience ignited their passion for community engagement, good business, and Mother Nature.

These passions continued to fuel their lives and career decisions, and it was these passions that ultimately led them to Tellus.

Tellus was not built around a product but around a question: could we build an environmentally conscious, ethical brand in the historically problematic clothing industry from the ground up? And could we do it in such a way that would not only be kinder on communities and the planet but actively help regenerate them?

Tellus believes the answer is yes, and does this by not only creating high-quality, eco-conscious outerwear, but actively providing customers with a means to give back.

Tellus allows you a way to not only explore the planet, but restore it, by donating 100% of all net profits (yes, every penny) to the environmental initiative you choose at check out.

In the face of climate change, we need more than adventure. We need Adventure With Purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fort Collins is regularly touted as one of the top places to live in America, making it easy and challenging to create a perfect itinerary. We could start with a picturesque hike in the beautiful Poudre Canyon during the warmer seasons, followed by lunch overlooking the river at the iconic Mishawaka. Paddleboarding at the Horsetooth Reservoir would be a must, soaking in the scenic beauty of the red rocks and foothills and cooling off in the water.

A day dedicated to exploring Old Town would follow, with a delightful combination of lunch at one of the charming local eateries and some leisurely shopping on Old Town Square at shops like Angie Star, Tula, Trimble Court followed by a stop at our store, Tellus. The vibrant atmosphere and historic charm make it a perfect hangout spot. We could finish with a cocktail at the Sunset Lounge on the roof of the Hotel Elizabeth to catch the sun setting behind the foothills.

Another day, we could spend an afternoon biking on one of Fort Collins’ many trails, with a refreshing stop at one of our numerous breweries with their inviting outdoor patios. The city’s bike-friendly culture and craft beer scene are not to be missed. For a change of scenery, we could indulge in leaf-peeping on Colorado State University’s campus during the fall and then head to one of CSU’s many sporting events to cheer on the Rams. The possibilities in Fort Collins are endless; you can’t do it all in a week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Joe – For me, a significant influence has been my father. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian immigrants, he navigated a childhood marked by limited resources. Eventually, he worked his way to the top of the insurance industry and made a better life for himself and his family. His grit and determination inspired me, imparting life lessons I still draw upon today professionally. But my love for the outdoors is the most significant gift he gave me. Growing up in a city with limited open space, he loved the West and camping. Our family vacations included exploring the national parks in our VW bus. It’s a great gift he shared with me and a tradition I have continued with my family and friends.

Website: www.tellusoutdoor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellusoutdoor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TellusOutdoor/

Other: Store Location: 401 Linden Street Fort Collins, Co 80524