K-State introduces EcoKat, a human-cat hybrid that will save the planet

Submitted without comment, a press release and video from Kansas State introducing its new environmentally friendly mascot, EcoKat, and her partnership with the traditional mascot, Willie the Wildcat. Collectively, they will be known as the Eco-Enforcers:

Meet EcoKat, crusader of conservation and fanatic of fluorescents. The new caricature has embarked upon Kansas State University with one mission: Reduce, reuse and recycle.

Catch EcoKat at community events like Purple Power Play, visiting the local elementary schools and making other community appearances.

EcoKat, who is played by a K-State senior who auditioned for the role, is outfitted in a costume made of 90 percent repurposed materials, coming mostly from the athletics department. The department of apparel, textiles and interior design used eco-friendly dyes to get the final look, making it entirely sustainable and recyclable within K-State.

The EcoKat video idea was born from a serious call to action that morphed into a more humorous, tough-love take on environmentalism.

Willie the Wildcat was added into the equation to make the local campaign uniquely K-State.