Tot Tank in Alameda, California opened in July of 2009 when Milly and Jason, parents of two, decided to do something about the lack of shopping for new parents in their hometown. When they needed any of their basic necessities they would have to get on the freeway. Once they got to the big box stores they couldn’t find anyone that was able to help them or to answer any of their questions.

“When opening up this store, we wanted to have a little bit of everything so no one had to leave the island for those small, but necessary items,” says Jason. “We wanted to create a place where mothers could have a little “get-away” while shopping. Parents are able to nurse or feed their baby comfortably on rockers in the back of the store, have a place to change dirty diapers and have enough toys to keep their little ones preoccupied while they have time to shop.”

Customers of Tot Tank are mostly local moms, but their web site has been a great addition for baby registries. Expecting parents can start a registry in-store or online. And they can edit and view activities on their registry from the comfort of their own home. When registering, there’s lots of help and advice so you can register for the products you’re most likely to need and love. You can also create a wish list for a holiday or birthday!

Most known for their customer service, Jason and Milly say that their customers really enjoy being able to come into our store ask questions and get honest answers and opinions. They have the ability to “test drive” all the strollers and gear in the store and in their cars. Tot Tank also assembles their strollers or toys at no additional cost.

Education is key for parents, so Tot Tank offers a variety of classes such as newborn basics, breastfeeding, cloth diapering and infant CPR. “Occasionally we’ll conduct special events or classes such as estate planning, children safety and infant massage,” says Milly. “We open up our back room for first time mothers group every week where they meet and discuss the new joys and troubles they have encountered.”

Jason and Milly say their green heroine is Alissa, their cloth diapering expert, who teaches classes at the store.”She always has great tips on how to be greener. From everyday simple things like turning off your lights to why buying from organic local vendors is not only great for the community but the environment. She’s great because she makes being green attainable for everyone. She and her moms’ group do clothing and toy trades so every item is used until they are one stain away from completely non recognizable.”

Being good to the earth is also important to Tot Tank’s owners. “We recycle and help promote purchases of green products,” explains Jason. “Since we offer cloth diapering classes at the store, we hope that it also promotes an eco-friendly living.” Tot Tank is also hosting The Great Cloth Diaper Change on Earth Day to set a world record for the most diaper changes at one time.

Jason and Milly recommend learning how to filter all the sources of green information available to parents. “Hearing tips from our customers on how they take a lot of little steps on making their home more green is the best way we get our information,” says Milly. “Luckily, our community is adamant about shopping local and trying to live a green-conscious life. And what makes us even luckier is that so many of our customers are our friends. They give us their honest opinions and advice on everything from best way to get their toddlers to take medicine to how to clean your washing machines.”

“We are so fortunate to be a part of a community that truly cares for its environment and people. And we’d love to thank all of our wonderful customers, friends, and family for helping us become what we are. We’d also like to thank companies like Dandelion for making great products that are not only environmentally friendly but well-made products that are useful and cute,” says Jason.

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