According to the slogan made famous nearly 30 years ago, Earth Day is every day. That's not quite true, because the environmental-awareness event is officially slated for April 22, and because a number of Americans say they believe pollution in all forms is a problem that's getting worse, ThirdAge News reports.

Based on a national survey conducted by the nonprofit Environmental Defense group, a full 60 percent of people 45-55 years old said they feel air and water pollution problems are worsening.

There's little if any generation gap when it comes to environmental issues: their children (18- to 35-year-olds), tend to hold the same views, with more than 70 percent saying they feel the same way about the pollution problem.

However dirty the world may seem, there is a ray of sunshine taking the form of optimism. Both groups said they agree individual action and public education can make a difference in solving environmental problems -- with a resounding 80-plus percent supporting such measures, Environmental Defense states.

But you needn't look any further than your own towns to find signs of improvement. Earth Day had made its way into modern American society, following its countercultural start in 1970. The event now boasts participation by more than 4,500 organizations, which are planning celebrations in 180 countries that could draw half a billion people.

Part of Earth Day's rapid growth can be attributed to new media, such as the Internet and global communication. The same survey reveals people believe the Web will help the environment. One-third of the environmentally conscientious have surfed the Web for their information, bringing hope to the cause of environmentalism, ThirdAge News reports.

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