Hi,
 
Whilst I usually use hessian (burlap?) sacking, I also  use  other
materials  when  available,  particularly pine needles.  There are
other materials I've heard used, but I haven't yet tried them  all
myself (honest).
 
I understand that in 'the old days' before some laws changed, hemp
(Marijuana) was considered an excellent smoker fuel.  Really happy
bees I guess.  And/or a really relaxed beekeeper.
 
Several types of mushroom have been dried  &  used.   I  know  the
Birch  Bracket  fungus is amongst them (don't have the sci name to
hand) but I'm not sure how many other  mushrooms  are  o.k..   The
edible  ones presumably, and the non-toxic but not tasty ones like
the B.B. above.
 
Many people in the  UK  use  corrugated  cardboard,  for  which  a
startling  number  actually  pay  (?) for neat little smoker-sized
rolls of the stuff.  Some of this card in the 'free' form of boxes
has been fireproofed though.
 
Partially dried grass works ok, but  it  sometimes  sparks  a  bit
which is definitely not so good.
 
Regards,
--
Gordon Scott          [log in to unmask]   Compuserve 100332,3310
Basingstoke Beekeeper [log in to unmask]