I agree. skip the generator and skip batteries for now.

Put some ice blocks on your fridge that will help it stay colder longer and run less often. Also add some rigid foam insulation around the outside of it and the door (don't cover any cooling coils or fans or anything like that) OR get a small chest freezer and use it as a fridge, you can often find them used for cheap or free. Freezer tend to be better insulated also a top opening chest freezer is less convenient to store/organize stuff in but it holds cold better because it doesn't dump out the door every time you open it.

I've only ever lived in Oregon and Washington, in both those states its legal if you are just doing it off existing rooftops and using it on your property. I think, in both those states you could run into issues (or at least need a permit and water rights) if you build a system specifically for catching water.

I think Colorado is the only state with the 110gal rule.

Maybe some specific state, county or city, but definitely not a general rule in the US.

Interesting. Never heard of it. Seems overly complicated to make it gender based. But I like the idea.

I like the idea of a Random Folks shed lol

That's so cool! Such an amazing resource. I wish more library's did that.