When one considers the necessary elements of a green cleaning program, it is tough to know where to begin. After all, green cleaning has evolved considerably from the days when a program simply involved using a couple of "green" chemicals. Over the last several years, successful green cleaning programs have grown in sophistication and are now likely to include the use of environmentally preferable tools, chemicals, and equipment, as well as being built on a foundation of performance, process, and social considerations. Green cleaning has clearly grown up. Yet, in many cases, the evolution of green cleaning has caused misunderstandings and marketplace confusion. Today's marketplace is inundated with products and services purporting to be "green" or environmentally preferable. There is no doubt that developing and implementing a true green cleaning program can be a challenging endeavor. The growing demand for sustainability and a better understanding of the crucial role that cleaning plays in ensuring a healthy, safe and "green" indoor environment has led to a proliferation of environmental claims that can be misleading, inaccurate or downright false. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable third-party standards and certification programs that offer great value as schools seek to ensure that the products and services they use are truly "green."