How did you come to live in Leeds?
I fell in love with Yorkshire when I was studying a Masters Degree at Sheffield University. I really enjoyed trips into the Peaks and the way of life in Yorkshire. I wanted to stay in the region after I graduated so when an opportunity became available to work for a sustainable development consultancy in Leeds, I snapped it up.

What is Greenbean Cars and why the name?
Greenbean Cars is an environmentally friendly taxi service that exclusively use low emission hybrid cars. At no extra cost to companies and individuals we are a simple and affordable way to reduce their carbon footprint.

We wanted to include green in the name for obvious reasons but wanted something with a bit more personality than just an environmental angle. ‘Greenbean’ was perfect because it has connotations to other bean personalities such as ‘old bean’, ‘keen bean’, ‘cool bean’. So, are you a Greenbean?!

How did Greenbean Cars start up?
I left my job in property a couple of months before the property crash to work for a local charity as an intern. That came to an end and it was obvious it was time to do something a little different. Jobs in the property sector were non-existent so I considered a couple of options. One was this idea of a green taxi company my brother had a year earlier when on a family holiday. I started researching it with him and decided to go for it. I thought I am unlikely to be brave enough to give up a job to do this so why not do it now. In the end, my brother decided he did not want to take it further, but was happy for me to pursue it. I shall expect he will want some kind of pay off one day.

What has challenged you? What have been your highs and lows?
Everything is challenging but the biggest challenge is to overcome your perceptions of what is possible! Starting a business is all about getting out of your comfort zone and doing things that scare you. There are always lows but the some of the highs have been winning major contracts from large organisations in the city. It is always inspiring to see large corporate organisations making positive changes.

Is Leeds a good place to start a business?
Leeds is a fantastic place to start a business. There seems to be a culture of young people starting businesses at the moment and many of them are Christians. I have Christian friends currently starting a design agency and an eco-hotel! In my view, businesses are great ways to extend the Kingdom of God because they have such a big impact upon society. Starting companies that people really like is also a great way to build bridges between the church and the rest of society. For example, our company has a lot of contact with the Muslim and Asian community which the Church does not always enjoy elsewhere.

What’s the future of Greenbean Cars…
Greenbean cars is about making sustainable travel as easy as possible. We want to provide a simple alternative when individuals and organisations are choosing a taxi.  Whilst on a larger scale we may have to fundamentally rethink the way we travel, every individual journey can count towards a more sustainable city if people start to think in terms of eco-friendly travel options. Who knows, that may lead to Greenbean Cars being introduced to other cities in Yorkshire.

The writes of James, in his Epistle says, ‘Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”’ The urgency in those verses and the push to follow what we know to be God’s will for the world really inspires my work with Greenbean Cars.

If you could give newcomers to the city a piece of advice what would it be?
I would certainly recommend city centre living, it provides so many opportunities for a great lifestyle. It is the future of sustainable living!  Since you can give up your private car it may also mean more Greenbean taxi journeys!

I would also recommend the Leeds Liverpool Canal which links the city to the countryside effortlessly. It is my favourite place to go for a jog since within five minutes it feels like the middle of the countryside.

Keeping up to date with everything ‘Greenbean’
Find out more information about what we offer over on our website www.greenbeancars.co.uk
You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/greenbeancars or Like us over on our Facebook page.

Book a journey with Greenbean Cars
To book a journey with us just call us on 0113 270 38 42.

One of the benefits of visitors is that they often bring along a car with them. This can be your chance for an escape out of the city for a day trip. And a trip to the supermarket for a super sized shop!

Temple Newsam is a beautiful country house and grounds with a little café, shop and farm! It’s about 15 minutes drive from the city centre. You can get the 19a bus from stand Y5 on the Headrow; it will take you straight to the edge of the grounds,
Address:
Temple Newsam Road (off Selby Road),
Leeds,
LS15 0AE

Lotherton Hall is another house and estate. There is a red deer park, bird garden, nature trails, café and family play area. It takes about 25 minutes in the car. To get there via bus is a bit more tricky, you can get the 64, 64A to Aberford, then walk for about 20 minutes.
Address:
Lotherton Hall,
Off Collier Lane,
Aberford,
LS25 3EB

Yorkshire Sculpture Park does what it says on the tin, it’s a park with sculptures. There’s also a gift shop and sculpture workshops, for a small price, that often take place in the grounds. It takes about half and hour from Leeds city centre in the car. It’s not really accessibly via public transport but have a look on www.wymetro.com if you want to attempt it.
Address:
Bretton Hall,
Bretton,
Wakefield,
WF4 4LG

Kirkstall Abbeyis probably the closest place for a country walk. The grounds are beautiful and there is a bit of historic architecture to keep you occupied. There are organised tours and a visitor centre. Keep on driving away from Leeds on Kirkstall road and you’ll stumble upon the grounds to your left. On your right there is a children’s play area and visitor centre where you’ll find a car park and shop and a great little cafe. The 33 bus goes from the bus station to right outside the abbey.

Xscape is a place to play, eat and shop just outside Leeds in Castleford. There’s a bowling alley, cinema and snowdome as well as restaurants and clothes shops. Have a look at the website for details. It’s about 15-20 minutes in the car and you can get a train to ‘Glasshouton’ which will take you straight there.
Address:
Colorado Way,
Glasshoughton,
Castleford,
WF10 4TA

Harewood House is another house and estate with beautiful grounds and events on all year round. 20 minutes in the car.  Get the 36 bus and walk 20 minutes via public transport.
Address:
Harewood,
Leeds,
LS17 9LG

Eccup Reservoir is one of my favourite country walks. It’s situated just off the A61 in between Harrogate and Leeds. Take a packed lunch and go to the toilet before you leave as there aren’t any facilities. It’s about a 2 hour walk around the reservoir and about a 20 minute drive in the car from Leeds city centre.
Ilkley Moor and The Cow and Calf Pub is another beautiful country walk, about half an hour drive from Leeds. Finish at the pub for a refreshing beer before you go home. You can do walks for anything from half and hour to a whole day. Make sure you plan your route before you set off to avoid getting stuck. Just over half an hour in the car. You can get the train to Ilkley and then walk about half and hour.
Address:
Hanging Stone Rd,
Ilkley,
Bradford,
LS29 8BT

Day trip to Harrogate or York – it’s easier to go on the train than in the car to both of these places. Harrogate is home to Turkish baths and is one of the best places to go shopping in the north. A trip to Betty’s tea shop is well worth it but if you want something a bit cheaper there’s an amazing café called Jakes just round the corner and near to Debenhams. Mmm..cake. As for York, it’s a great date day out. Lots to see and do.

Rounday Park is a 10 minute drive from Leeds city centre. Roundhay Park has a lake, various possible walks and a café. Stop off for a drink at the Roundhay Fox, one of my favourite pubs which does great food and has a crackling open fire. Not to forget Tropical world! Lots of birds, butterflies, random animals and the main attraction – meerkats. Roundhay is one of those places which suits the whole family and isn’t too expensive a day out. Park on the road side, in the Roundhay Fox car park or in one of the park’s car parks. Via bus, get the number 12 from opposite the corn exchange or just outside Primark, just off the Headrow.
Address:
Princes Avenue,
Roundhay,
Leeds,
LS8 2EP

Links
Have a look at some of the below websites for a few more ideas:
— For days out ideas go to: www.yorkshire.com
— For events ideas go to: www.britevents.com

At first it may seem that a walk round town and Hyde Park is the extent to what you can do when someone comes to visit. Obviously shopping in town is a good idea when the parents are around, however, you don’t have to look too far to find something a bit different. Leeds is an exciting City, with something to offer for everyone; from parents to younger siblings, from chilled out friends to active friends.

— Leeds City museum – situated on millennium square, the museum has some interactive features as well as regular talks and events.
— Art Gallery $ndash; situated on the Headrow, the gallery has a wide range of exhibitions, a serene alternative to the bustling shops.
— Cricket and Rugby Stadium events – see website for a full itinerary of events.
— The Royal Armouries – situated in the Clarence Dock complex. Free admission and regular events, check the website before you go for any notification of demonstrations!
— Shops and cafés in Hyde Park and Headingley – cute little shops and alternative cafés populate studentvile. See the cafes article for details.
— Go Karting – something a little bit more expensive, maybe an idea for a birthday treat. Just outside Leeds is the indoor go karting track. See website for details.
— West Yorkshire Playhouse – something a little bit different. A trip to the theater doesn’t have to be expensive, see the student deals article for details on how to save money. The playhouse is situated near to the bus station just outside town.
— Cinema – there are vue cinemas in the Light shopping centre and on Kirkstall road.

Here is a taster of annual events that happen in Leeds:

— Light Night – this is one of the most exciting nights of the year in Leeds. All sorts of venues and organisations around Leeds city centre join to present a night where Leeds comes alive with art exhibitions. It normally takes place in October and is well worth putting into your diary.
— Bonfire Night – Roundhay Park and Hyde Park present spectacular firework displays and bonfires all for free! Don’t forget your sparklers.
— Christmas Lights Turn on – Leeds City Council make a huge effort for this event. There is usually a celebrity booked to turn the lights on, along with performances from artists such as McFly and Pixie Lott in previous years. In addition, local theatre groups put on performances. Thousands of people turn up to see the lights turn on outside the art gallery on the Headrow, it’s a great atmosphere and the fireworks are often better than the ones at the park on bonfire night (in my opinion!).
— German Market – a hint of Germany arrives in November when cute little stalls selling all sorts of trinkets and an array of food stalls take over millennium square. This is a lovely yearly attraction in Leeds. There is always a large bar tent in the middle, which makes for a good night out.
— Ice Rink – the rink always arrives just after the German Market leaves millennium square. The price is going up every year but is definitely worth a visit whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Accommodation:
— There is a Travel Lodge in the city centre on Vicar Lane.
— Carnegie Stadium has hotel rooms. Situated in the middle of studentville this is a pretty convenient hotel for the parents.
— Butlers Hotel is on Cardigan Road and is also pretty well situated if you want your visitors to stay close to you.
— The Hilton Hotel is a really nice place, situated near the train station.
— The Etap Hotel is probably one of your cheapest choices. It’s situated near to Clarence Dock.
— Check out Lastminute.com for great deals on visitor accommodation in Leeds.

Have a look at some of the below websites for a few more ideas:
— For days out ideas go to: www.yorkshire.com
— For events ideas go to: www.britevents.com

Ingredients:
— 100g rice crispies
— 100g marshmallows
— 100g butter
— 100g toffee

Method
1. On a low heat, melt the marshmallows, butter and toffee together in a saucepan.
2. Pour the liquid into a large bowl of the rice crispies.
3. Spoon into a shallow dish. Flatten with a spatula and put in fridge for 2 hours.

Approximate Price: £1.55

Use a shallow glass casserole dish that is round or rectangular for these little treats. The recipe is easy to remember and is a more tasty (and gooey) alternative to simple chocolate rice crispy cakes. You could add some chocolate to the recipe if you want to make it an even sweeter dessert, and/or add hundreds and thousands, mini-marshmallows, dolly mixtures or anything else you fancy on top to spice things up a bit.

Enjoy!

Situated near the corn exchange and the bus station, there is a combination of indoor and outdoor marketplaces. The gothic style building was erected in the 1800’s, costing £8,469. There are now over 600 stalls, including specific sections of the market which include:

— Farmers Market: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, 9am-2pm.

— Butchers Row: the finest cuts of meat at low prices.

— The Game Row: similar to Butchers Row but with a few specialities thrown in.

— The Fish Market: does what it says on the tin.

— The Open Market: many a bargain to be had and you might even manage a bit of haggling! Leeds Open Market is where Michael Marks started his first penny bazaar in 1884, which would become what we now know as good old M&S.

Every market day has different traders
— Monday: Second-hand clothing
— Tuesday: General retail trades
— Wednesday: The Bazaar (Asian themed products - Speciality Market)
— Thursday: Flea market and general trades
— Friday/Saturday: General trades

Not to forget the wealth of stunning haberdashery and fabrics…perfect for a spot of fancy dress creativity.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am — 5pm

The market saw the introduction of some brand spangling new stalls in October. Leeds Council launched an entrepreneur initiative, providing businesses a chance to start their own stall. Check out Leeds City Council website for more information on Leeds’ Markets.

The Leeds Markets website is where you can find the specific locations and names of the various stalls, traders, news, recipes and more!

One would hope so, since the global church surely has a vital role at the forefront of society’s response to all important issues, setting the standards as well as providing hope. Many churches are already leading the way in the fight against climate change by joining together in campaigning, prayer and practical action. Others are asking important questions:
— Where does climate change fit in with the Bible’s picture of the future?
— How can we reduce the carbon footprints of drafty Victorian churches?
— How can we change our own lifestyles without becoming joyless Pharisees?

It is with these questions in mind, that 4C Leeds (Christians Combating Climate Change) has organised the ‘Climate of Hope’ conference, which is coming up on 12th March at South Parade Baptist Church, Headingley (10-3.30pm). The conference will feature keynote speaker Sir John Houghton (former chief of the Met Office and co-chair of scientific assessment for the IPCC), as well as a range of workshops covering everything from the theological to the intensely practical, led by representatives from Tearfund, Christian Aid, Arocha, Breathe and local churches. There will also be an exhibition featuring green businesses and organisations. Students will be particularly pleased to know that the conference will be completely free (although we will not be providing lunch- tea and biscuits only!).

If you would like to find out more, or to register your interest in attending Climate of Hope, please see our website, www.climateofhope.co.uk

Ingredients:
— 1 tbsp vegetable oil
— 1 onion - 20p
— 450g carrots - 30p
— 1 tsp ground coriander
— 1.2 litres/2 pints vegetable stock - 10p
— Large bunch fresh coriander - 50p
— Salt and pepper

Method:
1. Roughly chop coriander. Slice carrots and onion.
2. Heat olive oil in large pan. Add carrots and onion. Cook for 3-4 until softened.
3. Stir in ground coriander and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
5. Whizz with a hand blender until smooth. Reheat in saucepan then serve with fresh coriander and thick bread.

Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Price: £1.10 (Approx)

Perfect with some warm crusty bread.

Moving out of halls and into a house can be puzzling as there are so many things to think about and sort out.

Unipol is Leeds’ student’s hero when it comes to moving house. Unipol is not only a housing agency but also a charity working to ensure high standards and professionalism are maintained where student housing is concerned. Check out their website for more information: www.unipol.org.uk.

When looking for a house or flat to move into, you need to make sure that you’re making the right choice. Here are some things to look out for:

— Damp: a common haunt in student housing. Signs include mouldy areas, bubbling wallpaper/paint, a distinct smell, water running down walls and excessive condensation on windows.
— Do appliances work?
— Ask the current tenants about the experience with their agency/landlord and the house itself.
— Ask the cost of the rent per week, the cost of the deposit (also known as the ‘bond’) and if there are any other fees.
— Be sure you know the terms of the contract. If any work needs doing on the house ensure it is stated as part of the terms of your contract, in writing.
— Negotiate moving in/moving out dates. A common problem in Leeds is that tenancies finish at midday on 30th June but only start at midday on 1st July. So what do you do with your stuff during the night in between if you don’t want to haul it all back home? If you can, negotiate your contract to finish on 1st July because if you want to move again the following year, you don’t want to be caught short for those 24 hours.

Unipol have a very helpful house viewing checklist that you could print out and take with you on any property viewings. Unipol has a set of standards for student houses. Ensure your house is up to the Unipol standard by sticking to this list.

When you look around any property I recommend taking a camera, or even just taking some quick snaps on your phone. In the heat of the moment (especially if it’s your first time) you can quickly come away from a place and forget the details. How big was that living room again? Where we’re the power sockets? A few photos can really help remind you of the layout, general size and some of the finer details. Very helpful if you look around a few properties in quick succession.

A final piece of encouragement and one that I have found so helpful every time I’ve moved is that you should feel no pressure to make a decision on your first viewing. It is likely that a landlord will push you to sign there and then claiming that they have many more interested parties and that the house is proving very popular. Don’t fall into the temptation that you should make a decision that will effect 12 months of your life after only a few minutes looking around a property and a brief conversation.
If you do feel like the house is suitable then I recommend still going away and discussing it with everyone who will be living there, even if it’s just for 30 minutes or so round the corner at the pub. You can then call up the landlord and arrange to sign, or even book a second viewing.

If you have any further hints and tips or thinks to watch out for when moving house feel free to list them in the comments.

Kirkstall Road House waste sorting site
Evanstan Avenue
Kirkstall
LS4 2HR

There are recycling sites across the city; often at supermarkets or pub carparks. Check out the Leeds City Council website for details.

People who can help you recycle…

— http://leaveleedstidy.com provides information to encourage you to keep Leeds clean as a student. Leeds met, Leeds uni, Unipol and Leeds City Council have collaborated to encourage students to keep the streets clean. Look at the website to get involved in the Green Streets Project as well as finding out tips on how to be tidy.

— www.jumbleaid.com is a company that collects unwanted things for charities. You can both give and buy via the website.

— www.recycle-more.com has a wealth of information on how to maximise your recycling in your student house.

Christian Groups who care for environment:
—http://greenchristiannetwork.com/blog/carbon-footprint
—www.christian-ecology.org.uk
—www.ecocongregation.org
—www.christian-ecology.org.uk/noah

Links to articles/talks on a Christian view of caring for the environment:
—http://www.operationnoah.org/node/264
—http://www.operationnoah.org/taxonomy/term/28

To start you off, here are a few staple ingredients to get in your cupboard and keep stocked up:
— Stock cubes
— Tins of chopped tomatoes
— A couple of dried herbs (basil and oregano are good to start with)
— Worcestershire sauce
— Gravy Granules
— Olive oil
— Tomato puree
— Salt and pepper

Some of our faviourite cooking websites include:
— Epicurious
— Nigella Lawson
— Jamie Oliver
— Nigel Slater
— www.bbc.co.uk/food/

We plan to run a series of recipes, probably 1 a week so you can quickly have a good selection of sweets and saviouries to pull out when you are fending for yourself, feeding an army, have hours to spend or even just 5 minutes.
We’ll be including a rough prices per meal based on Asda’s online prices at the time of writing the articles so you know you won’t be breaking the bank.

This week’s recipe: Cottage pie
Cooking time: 1 ¼ hours
Serves: 2
Rough Price: £3.79

This recipe is a twice-bake, which means it gets created on the hob then baked in the oven to finish off.

Ingredients:
— 250g Beef mince £1.14
— 1 Tin chopped tomatoes 50p
— 1 Beef stock cube 10p
— 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 10p
— Pinch basil
— Salt and pepper
— 1 tbsp olive oil
— 1 Garlic clove 5p
— ½ Onion 30p
— 4 Mushrooms 50p
— 1 Pepper (any colour you fancy) 50p
— 3-4 Potatoes 80p
— Dash of milk
— Bit of butter or margarine
— 50g grated cheese 50p

Method:
Here goes…get your kettle boiling and your oven on at 180 degrees Fahrenheit or Gas Mark 4.

1. Chop the potatoes into even pieces and boil in a saucepan for 15 minutes.
2. Add olive oil to the wok/frying pan and start to fry the mince.
3. In the mean time, chop the mushrooms, pepper, garlic and onion. Add to mince when it has browned.
4. Add tinned tomatoes.
5. When the veg has softened, add ½ pint beef stock, stir in Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt and pepper.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, then mash your potatoes with milk and butter.
7. Get yourself a shallow casserole dish and spoon in the mince. Then add the layer of potatoes gradually, use a fork to even out. Then add the grated cheese.
8. Finally, bake in oven for 30-45 minutes. And voila you’re ready to wow your flatmates.

Alternative options: lamb mince, other veg (such as carrots, peas and parsnips), use gravy instead of choppedc tomatoes and stok, parsnips mashed with the potatoes. And if you don’t eat it all, this is a great one to put in a tub and store in the freezer for another night. Easy as pie.