I prefer long-leaf pine needles (the short ones will pack in the bottom of
the smoker and smother themselves out)... but my second choice is good old
Burlap.
Where do you get Burlap? From a plant NURSERY. They use burlap bags
(usually from imported coffee) to wrap trees for transporation. Go talk the
the owner of the nursery. Offer him all the honey he might want for a few
old burlap bags. He'll be happy to oblige.
It helps if you have a quart of honey in hand when you make your initial
trip.
My nursery guy gets some bags that are to HEAVY for him to use - they don't
decompose quickly. Those are WONDERFUL for my use. We are both happy.