to use the dishwasher or to handwash ?

Ever since I have been having the privilege of a dish washer in the kitchen, I have had this on going debate. Three things which need to be considered: use of electricity to run the machine, energy used to heat the water used and of course even blow/air dry dishes in the washer; water consumed, and the eco-damage cased by the dish washer detergents. Dish washer detergents, in comparison to hand washing liquid or dish bar soap, are more chemical ridden ( thats the logic behind us not being able to use regular dish detergent for the dish washers.)


I would want to experiment with soapnuts to wash dishes....have to see how that works out...i remember my ammama telling me about how the erstwhile dhobiz used soapnuts to wash pattu/silk sarees. Translating the soapnut effect to dishes should work .right?..btw it was my 'shampoo" till i moved out to be on my own....