Due to its soil improving properties peat is regarded as an ideal component of growing media. However, peat cutting has a high environmental impact. In Switzerland, the extraction of peat is prohibited since 1987, but 130’000 tons of peat are imported every year. To reduce peat consumption, alternative substrates are needed. This projects aims at assessing the environmental impacts of peat, peat substitutes and growing media with and without peat. In order to quantify the environmental impacts, a life cycle assessment (LCA) will be performed. In addition, the social impacts of the production of the individual growing media components will be analysed qualitatively. The results of the study will be used to provide recommendations for different stakeholders.