Like the earth itself, Earth Day spins back around once a year. This year (April 22), the focus is on global warming. Organizers hope to trigger 10,000 events that will curb the rising temperatures of the earth.

Debate still rages over that topic, of course. Many feel that what mankind contributes to global warming is miniscule. If the temperature of the planet is on the rise, forces more powerful and cosmic than human beings are behind it.

Still, even those who remain unconvinced of the viability of "cooling the earth" by cutting back on greenhouse gases can get on board ideas for protecting the planet. Like Mother Earth herself, Earth Day has a way of accommodating myriad approaches. In fact, the suggestions being touted by the Earth Day Network this year are all sound advice, whatever one believes is behind climate change.

The ideas for saving energy — and money — include:

Buy a fuel-efficient car and drive it less.

Use updated heating and cooling systems in your home, clean the vents and filters and add two degrees to your thermostat in summer and lower it by two degrees in the winter. Seal windows and doors. Use fans.

Twist the knobs on your faucets, washer, dryer, dishwasher and other appliances off. Don't "over dry" your clothes and use the dishwasher only when it's full. Insulate your water heater.

Eat locally grown fruit and vegetables (which require less transportation and therefore consume fewer resources); eat them in season.

Buy in bulk, donate things you're not using, buy quality products that last longer.

Use light bulbs that are energy efficient with a long life-span.

Landscape with hardy plants that don't guzzle water. Let the grass grow a little longer. Water less.

Buy recycled goods.

Buy green energy (non-fossil fuel) goods when you can. Invest in non-petroleum alternatives for energy.

In short, Earth Day advocates seem to be saying that if people take care of themselves and their bank accounts, the earth — by extension — will benefit as well.

One has to think Mother Nature would applaud such a thought.