MINI hosts the Extraoddinary eco-culture trail

While the MINI brand may be most associated with small cars, it is not afraid to face the world's largest problems.

MINI Extraoddinary sees its second iteration being held at Chinatown from 22-24 November 2019, and this time, the eco-trail centres on the issue of sustainability. Open to all visitors, participants will get to visit engaging installations and activities that showcase odd (hence the name) solutions and trends in the world of sustainable living.

But more than just showcasing these new innovations, the eco-trail also brings to light the issue of cultural sustainability.

Pieces of Chinese culture have been interwoven into the displays and exhibits, in an effort to bring to light the unfortunate erosion of the treasured heritage district as a consequence of modernisation.

A pineapple-based exhibition for example, is located at the entrance of People's Park Food Centre, where the popular Chinese fruit is sold at the wet market.

This exhibition demonstrates the innovative material Pinatex - a sustainable material made from the fibres of pineapple leaves - and the products it can be used to manufacture such as clothing, footwear and interior furnishing.

Speaking of clothing, the upper floors of the food centre is also famous for housing numerous tailoring stalls, and appropriately also features a workshop on sustainable dyeing, where participant will get the opportunity to witness and practice dyeing a few fabrics through a steaming process all while only using the natural colours from selected leaves.

Also interesting was a pop-up along Smith Street, where participants got to sample one of the cornerstones of Chinese culture, tea, but with a unique twist. The tea available here for sampling is instead Kombucha brewed from Tie Guan Yin and Xiang Pian (popular Chinese teas). Learn more about the health benefits of Kombucha, or simply take a refreshing rest from the tropical heat at this stop!

A total of 16 exhibits are scattered throughout the heart of Chinatown, with the event opening from 10:00am to 7:00pm on all the opening days. But for those truly keen to try out the food and drink samples, or to participate in the workshops and demos for themselves, make sure to check the allocated timeslots for each station here.

Staff are also on hand to guide visitors along starting from the meeting point at People's Park Complex, located at 1 Park Rd, Singapore (059108). Admission is free.