What's Wrong with Sweeping?

Ever since I was a child in the '80s I remember there being concerns over the use of leaf blowers in uptight suburban communities (like Piedmont, my hometown). But that was mostly due to noise pollution concerns, not the current reasons sited which include cutting back on energy waste, maintaining organic farming practices, and improving respiratory health. Also, on a separate but related note, does anyone else cringe when they walk past homeowners, gardeners, shop workers, and window washers hosing down the sidewalk to move plant droppings into the sewer drain? It takes them easily at least two to three times longer than if they were to use a broom alone. And the worst part is, California is suffering from what may be one of the most significant water crises in its history! Aagh! The outrage. So let's bring back the broom! (And by broom I don't mean a Swiffer, with thick, disposable paper towels. I mean old school brooms, as used by witches and ranch hands.)