Recently tried out a Java Log, a firelog made from compressed coffee grinds.
Pros:
Excellent survival heat source.
Burns hot for a full 2+ hours.
Quiet. No crackling.
Doesn't pop out embers like burning wood.
Very little ash.
Cons:
Expensive at $6-7 each.
I imagine you could make these yourself. The problem would be compressing the grinds enough to get keep the form and have a long burn time.