It’s that time again. The pressure of entertaining the kids during the summer holidays will soon be over, but the Back to School routine presents its’ own challenges. And for those of us who don’t have children, it’s time to shift those holiday blues and get back into work mode.

So how to brighten up our long days spent in the office or classroom? With FOOD, of course! Don’t get stuck in a lunchtime rut with soul destroying sandwiches and bleak butties, and don’t even think about embarking on another relentless battle trying to get the kids to eat a lacklustre packed lunch. With my low-down on the Tastiest Sandwiches of All Time I’m going to revitalise your midday meal and turn you into a lunchtime hero!

But do you, like me, feel a pang of guilt every time you reach for one of those disposable sandwich bags? Did you know that if one person uses just one disposable bag every working day, a whopping 261 plastic bags would end up in landfill every year – crazy stuff huh? When you multiply this number to accommodate the needs of a couple, or a family, and then add on all of those other snacks you pop into these bags, the numbers are shocking. Particularly shocking is the amount of money we thoughtlessly spend on this landfill!

Having seen the Sky News Ocean Rescue Campaign, I have become extremely conscious about the amount of plastic waste I produce, especially when in the kitchen. I always use my trusty re-usable shopping bags at the supermarket, so ditching disposable food bags seems to be the next logical step.

I stumbled upon these Russbe Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags while in Chicago earlier this year and I absolutely love with them! These sturdy bags are super resilient and the locking seal ensures that no breadcrumbs or filling can escape into the depths of your school bag or handbag – yuk!  The seal also ensures that unpleasant food odours stay strictly within the confines of the bag – hurrah, no more dirty “is that smell you?” glares when stood in a crowded elevator, or is that just me?! – and your bread will stay soft and the contents fresh.

The designs are adorable, I’m particularly smitten with the children’s Pink and Green Monster Sandwich and Snack Bags, and all of the bags feature a panel to write your child’s (or husband’s) name on – or you could write what is contained inside, or the use by dates if storing food. In fact, they are so cute and handy, I now use these bags to store everything, from electrical chargers and plug adapters, to cosmetics and travel-sized toiletries.

Who would have thought that a simple sandwich bag could help you reduce your carbon footprint and keep hundreds of disposable bags out of the world’s oceans, cities and landfills? And did I mention they are dishwasher safe and free of BPA, PVC, latex and phthalates?

The Russbe Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags are sold in a set of two sandwich and two snack-sized bags and can be bought exclusively from the Arugula & Rocket Store on Amazon in the UK and directly from Russbe in the USA  – so go on, give your lunch some punch and become an #OceanHero all in one go!

So now we have our lunch storage and planet saving tactics sorted, let’s focus on lunch. Only the Tastiest Sandwiches of All Time would do your fantastic new sandwich bags any justice…

Fried Chicken and Waffle BLT 

Sandwich a piece of fried chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes between two waffles for sheer sandwich seduction. Add a smear of honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or maple syrup for pure indulgence!

Arnold Palmer Sandwich

Arnold Palmer was one of the greatest professional golfers of all time. Aside from his golfing prowess, he also became known for his signature “Arnold Palmer” summer drink: Iced Tea with Lemonade.

As hard as I might try, I cannot find the origins of the Arnold Palmer sandwich, so if you know, please drop me a line! What I do know is this strange combination of egg mayonnaise (with pickles and mustard) and tuna mayonnaise (with finely chopped celery, onion and lemon juice) creates a winning combination. Simply smear the egg mayo on one slice of bread and the tuna mayo on the other, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and sandwich them together – in the sandwich world it’s a hole in one!

Unicorn Cheese & Cucumber Sandwiches

Cheese and cucumber sandwiches are so passé, but a Unicorn Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich will have all kids, young and old, wanting to take a bite. Simply divide cream cheese into small bowls, add a different drop of food colouring to each bowl and stir to combine.

Painting your colourful unicorn filling onto the bread is so much fun, the kids will want to make their own lunch from now on!

St. Louis Gerber Sandwich

This open-faced sandwich oozes southern charm and takes the ham and cheese sarnie to another level. Simply smear some crusty French bread with garlic butter, add fine slices of ham, top with provolone cheese and grill for ooey, gooey cheesy delight.

Classic Reuben Sandwich

Delicious melted swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut and a generous helping of corned beef, all sandwiched between two slices of rye bread – what’s not to love?

Cheese with Flaming Hot Cheetos and Arugula (Rocket)

Why take two lunch bags to work when you can use one? Put your Cheeto’s into a would-be ordinary cheese sandwich to add a hot and fiery kick! Top with a handful of fresh arugula for nutrition – and add an air of sophistication – and no-one will bat an eyelid at this bizarre, yet lip-smacking combo!

French Dip

This is probably the world’s greatest sandwich and proof that simple is usually best. Add a generous serving of thinly sliced roast beef into a crusty fresh baguette and serve alongside a hot au jus dip – I also like to add a touch of hot mustard! Maybe not the most mobile of sandwiches and certainly not the cleanest to eat, but I simply couldn’t resist adding this to my list.

The Elvis

Love me tender, love me lunch. On the 40th anniversary of his death, I simply couldn’t omit this majestical sandwich from my list. Said to be the King’s favourite, I can’t help falling in love with this peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich either – it’s got me all shook up!

Peanut Butter, Pickle, and Potato Chip (Crisp) Sandwich

No ifs ands or buts about it, this Triple P sandwich combo is a winner – just try it and see!

Mini Corn Dog Muffins

OK so this isn’t a sandwich, but pop a few of these into a sandwich bag for a satisfying lunchtime treat.

Simply divide cornbread batter into the cups of a mini muffin pan, pop a piece of hotdog into the centre of each and bake. These taste delicious eaten hot or cold and even better if you add a pot of tomato ketchup, sriracha sauce or maple syrup for dipping.

Last but not least, you can also transform your everyday sandwich filling favourites by switching that slice for a bagel, tortilla wrap, pitta bread, lettuce leaves, pancakes, and even waffles!