Styrofoam and single-use plastics are now banned in Los Angeles after new laws were passed by Eric Garcetti before he stepped down as Mayor ©Getty Images

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a series of new green laws before stepping down that will help the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games achieve its goal of becoming more sustainable.

Garcetti’s period as Mayor came to an end earlier this month after he had served the maximum two four-year terms.

But it has now been revealed that before he left the position he passed several new laws, including banning Styrofoam and single-use plastics following a campaign by Reusable LA and other groups.

It expanded the ban on plastic bags to apparel stores, farmers markets and other uses not covered in a previous ban introduced in 2014.

It also bans single-use plastics at city facilities and events, which is expected to include Los Angeles 2028.

It will also direct the Los Angeles Government to reduce waste at its own facilities or events held on city property.

Eric Garcetti signed a number of green laws, which will have an impact on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, before stepping down as Los Angeles Mayor earlier this month ©Twitter
Eric Garcetti signed a number of green laws, which will have an impact on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, before stepping down as Los Angeles Mayor earlier this month ©Twitter

"Today, we write a new chapter in building a more sustainable, equitable and just future for all Angelenos," Garcetti said, according to NBC Los Angeles.

"We are putting communities first and walking lighter on this land."

One new ordinance declares oil and gas extraction a non-conforming use in the Los Angeles municipal code and aims at phasing out oil drilling.

Another ordinance will require all new buildings starting in April 2023 to be all-electric, with limited exceptions.

That would include heaters and cooking appliances.

Advocates claim the all-electric residences and commercial buildings will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cost less to build and operate.

They allege natural gas-burning buildings contain levels of pollution that exceed outdoor allowable standards.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is seen as key to helping Los Angeles become a more environmentally friendly city ©Getty Images
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is seen as key to helping Los Angeles become a more environmentally friendly city ©Getty Images

In 2018, a year after Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, Garcetti and Paris Mayor Anna Hidalgo signed an Olympic twinning cooperation agreement that included a pledge to fight against climate change.

The French capital was awarded the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games following an agreement that saw the Californian city get the event four years later.

Karen Bass, Garcetti’s successor as Mayor, is expected to continue a similar focus on environmental issues.

According to her campaign website, Bass aims to "increase investment in basic environmental services for all Angelenos" and that includes "increased sanitation and trash removal."