types of traditional Japanese shoes, such as waraji and zōri, are made of straw. In some parts of Germany like Black Forest and Hunsrück people wear straw shoes at home or at carnival. Targets Heavy-gauge straw rope is coiled and sewn tightly together to make archery targets. This is no longer done entirely by hand, but is partially mechanised. Sometimes a paper or plastic target is set up in front of straw bales, which serve to support the target and provide a safe backdrop. Thatching Thatching uses straw, reed or similar materials to make a waterproof, lightweight roof with good insulation properties. Straw for this purpose (often wheat straw) is grown specially and harvested using a reaper-binder. Health and safety Dried straw presents a fire hazard that can ignite easily if exposed to sparks or an open flame. It can also trigger allergic rhinitis in people who are hypersensitive to airborne allergens such as straw dust. Research In addition to its current and historic uses, straw is being investigated as a source of fine chemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, lignins, phenols, and steroids. See also Corn stover (corn straw) Crop residue Drinking straw Hay Straw (colour) Sheaf (agriculture), a bundle of straw Stook, a stack of straw Straw dog Wood wool Yule Goat References External links Biodegradable materials Biomass Packaging materials Building insulation materials Soil erosion Natural materials By-products